Fresh off signing a seven-year, $56-million extension with the Vancouver Canucks, J.T. Miller is already raring to get the new season underway.
Training camp begins later this month, and given the run the Canucks went on after Bruce Boudreau was named head coach, there's plenty of reason for optimism within the room.
"We have a lot of fun winning hockey games especially when Bruce got there," Miller said to the team's official website. "I think we realize what our capabilities are as a team, and I still think we have another level, which is awesome.
"It's a very easy decision for me to want to stay, especially from a hockey standpoint. We have a very good group of players and a good group of people. And I think if we put those together, we can do some special things. I think we're just scratching the surface with our potential."
Vancouver posted a 32-15-10 record with 74 points after Boudreau's appointment, good for second in the Pacific Division by points percentage (.649). Miller's exploits played a key role in the Canucks' late surge for a playoff spot. The 29-year-old registered career highs in goals (32), assists (67) and points (99) last season.
That 57-game sample size has Miller thinking big for the 2022-23 campaign.
"I think our expectations are to win a Stanley Cup," he stated. "We want to be playing in the playoffs and be competing for the Stanley Cup and I think with more time and getting to know the guys more and some familiar faces and the talent we have, I don't see why it's not possible."
It could be feasible if the Canucks manage to pick up where they left off last season, especially in an unpredictable division.
