NHL Analyst Delivers Scathing Critique of Rangers Captain
In a surprising and strongly-worded criticism, prominent NHL analyst Colby Cohen has launched a sharp attack on New York Rangers captain J.T. Miller for what he described as an "ugly" on-ice temper tantrum. The incident occurred following the Rangers' 2-1 defeat against the Detroit Red Wings on November 16, 2025, where Miller visibly displayed his frustration in a manner that has now sparked controversy across the hockey community.
Cohen's Harsh Assessment of Miller's Behavior
Colby Cohen did not mince words when discussing Miller's post-game behavior. "I don't see how, after the video I saw, this is like, full disgrace mode for me," Cohen stated during his analysis. He went on to make a striking comparison: "That's like, my daughter didn't get her way, and so she walked away and just like, threw a temper tantrum, only she doesn't make, what does he make eight and a half million dollars a year? and wear the C for an NHL team. I mean, that was a really, really ugly clip to see."
The analyst's criticism extended beyond mere disappointment, as he directly questioned Miller's professional conduct given his substantial $8.5 million annual salary and leadership role as team captain. Cohen's comments highlight what he perceives as a significant lapse in professionalism from the veteran forward.
Olympic Dreams in Jeopardy
Perhaps the most significant consequence of Cohen's critique is his stance on Miller's potential selection for Team USA in the upcoming 2026 Olympics. Cohen explicitly stated that he would not include Miller in the national team roster, citing the availability of alternative players who could better fill checking roles.
"And no, I'm not putting him on Team USA, because there's other players that can come on and play in those checking roles," Cohen declared. He specifically pointed to Miller's Rangers teammate, Vincent Trocheck, as having a stronger checking game and being a more suitable candidate for the Olympic team.
This represents a substantial blow to Miller's international career prospects, especially with the prestigious Olympic tournament scheduled for 2026. Cohen's position as an influential NHL analyst could potentially sway selection committee opinions regarding Miller's suitability for the national team.
Injury Concerns and Team Impact
Compounding Miller's challenges is his current injury status. The Rangers captain has been officially ruled out of Monday's match against the St. Louis Blues due to an upper-body injury, classified as day-to-day by team management.
Rangers head coach Mike Sullivan addressed Miller's absence, stating, "We'll take it as it comes right now. He's day-to-day. Tough guy to replace." Sullivan did not specify whether Miller would miss more than one game, leaving his immediate playing future somewhat uncertain.
The situation is further complicated by injury concerns surrounding Vincent Trocheck, who Cohen identified as a superior option for Team USA. Trocheck has already missed 14 games this season with an upper-body issue and was held out of morning skate, with Sullivan describing him as a "game-time decision" for upcoming matches.
Cohen also expressed skepticism about the trade that brought Miller to the Rangers, commenting, "I wouldn't be taking him based on the way that he's playing at all. I don't know. Man, that trade is really not looking good." This additional criticism suggests broader concerns about Miller's overall performance and value to the team beyond the recent behavioral incident.
The combination of behavioral criticism, injury concerns, and questions about his long-term fit with the Rangers creates a challenging period for the veteran forward, whose leadership and professionalism are now under intense scrutiny from both analysts and fans alike.
