Canucks' Tocchet doesn't rule out J.T. Miller returning vs. Panthers

On the back of a two-game skid, the Canucks could certainly use another infusion of health.

Vancouver head coach Rick Tocchet told reporters Wednesday that "anything is a possibility" concerning J.T. Miller's potential return to the lineup ahead of their game against the Florida Panthers on Thursday.

"I'll talk to Millsy tonight or something, maybe in the morning we'll talk," Tocchet said. "Anything is a possibility, but right now, he just had a good day."

The Canucks forward returned to practice on Tuesday, joining the team's morning skate after having missed nearly a month due to personal reasons. He hasn't suited up for in-game action since Nov. 17.

"He's getting close. I don't know the exact date but close is better than long-term," Tocchet added. "He's doing really well, we'll just kind of chip away and see what happens tomorrow morning."

In the 10 games that Miller has missed, the Canucks have gone 5-3-2, with their two most recent losses coming at home against the Tampa Bay Lightning and St. Louis Blues.

While in the lineup, the Canucks went 9-5-3, helped along by the 31-year-old's six goals and 10 assists this season.

Last season, the American recorded a career-high 37 goals and 103 points in 81 games and played in the All-Star Game for the first time in his career.

Last week, Miller was also named to Team USA for the 4 Nations Face-Off.

"He's a big presence, a big presence on and off the ice," fellow forward Conor Garland said Wednesday. "Obviously, he's one of the best players in the league, he's going to 4 Nations. We're lucky to have him. Any time a guy like that misses time it hurts, but just to get him back in the fold ... that'll be good for us."

The Canucks will take the ice against the Panthers on Thursday night at 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT on Thursday. Catch the action on Sportsnet Pacific or stream on Sportsnet+.