It’s go time. With the NHL trade deadline approaching fast, teams are looking to make one last push to get their desired players. As a result, countless rumors have been doing the rounds involving players from across the board. Of course, J.T. Miller is an exception, having already secured his headline-grabbing trade weeks in advance. But even as the dust from the trade settles down, the discourse continues, with Auston Matthews proving the latest to reignite debates among fans.
Miller has scored 14 goals and has 31 assists in the 2024-25 season, but fans weren’t happy as Miller is known for his antics in the dressing room. As a result, when Matthews spoke positively about Miller after the time they spent as teammates in the 4 Nations Face-Off, fans weren’t too thrilled. Mark Masters of TSN relayed Matthews’ comments that “J.T. Miller was one of the more popular teammates with [Team USA emoji] at 4 Nations,” and fans had their own thoughts. And well, they didn’t exactly agree.
Auston Matthews says J.T. Miller was one of the more popular teammates with at 4 Nations
“He’s a competitor … I really enjoyed spending time with him … A guy that you love to have on your team especially come playoff time”https://t.co/Huseof4pJ2
— Mark Masters (@markhmasters) February 28, 2025
But that’s not all. Earlier, during the same interview, Matthews spoke warmly of Miller and said, “He’s a competitor; he’s a guy you love to have on your team, and I really enjoyed spending time with him and playing with him. I think he’s a extremely high IQ smart player. You know, like I said, a guy that you love to have on your team, especially come playoff time.”
Friendly praise or a hint at J.T. Miller’s next blockbuster trade? Either way, fans were skeptical of both the idea of praising Miller and of Miller potentially linking up with Auston Matthews in Toronto. Although Matthews was impressed, the fans were anything but.
Fans dislike Auston Matthews’ praise for J.T. Miller
Earlier this season, a massive controversy erupted surrounding J.T. Miller and Elias Pettersson when their years-long rivalry came to a head when they locked horns at practice. This isn’t the first time that we have seen Miller causing a stir in the dressing room. As a result, when Matthews was complimentary of Miller, fans were not in agreement with him. One of them wrote, “Makes me sick,” in response.
They also questioned Matthews judgment on the matter. After all, the 4 Nations Face-Off ended as quickly as it began, and Matthews’ time with Miller was brief. “known playoff expert auston matthews? played with the guy for like two weeks,” wrote one X user, with a subtle dig at the Leafs’ playoff record added for good measure.
Another fan actually agreed with Matthews. But with a twist. The twist being a backhanded compliment directed Miller’s way: “JT is a good player when he hasn’t quit on his teammates.” Ouch.
Similarly, a Leafs fan hinted at their own interest in acquiring J.T. Miller. The fan suggested that Matthews put in the work and try to tap up Miller for the Maple Leafs. “There’s one way to make your dream a reality, Auston,” said the fan.
However, another fan dismissed the possibility of a trade. They sarcastically pointed out that the trade deadline was the time when the Leafs were connected with nearly every player in the league, and optimism about a Cup win is riding high. “Officially that time of the year where the leafs are landing every player and winning the cup 100%.”
It was only a month ago when J.T. Miller was traded to the New York Rangers. But fans haven’t forgotten his behavioral issues, and they did not hesitate to voice their disagreement at Auston Matthews’ words. But more importantly, is there another trade in store for Miller? Judging by these responses, fans would sure hope not!
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