As rumors swirl about J.T. Miller potentially being named the New York Rangers’ next captain, NHL fans have embraced the speculation with a wave of humorous fake full-name theories about the forward. Although his real name is Jonathan Tanner Miller, fans have playfully concocted imaginative variations while discussing the captaincy news online.
The player’s actual initials have sparked creative interpretations, including one fan’s joke that Miller’s name is “Jordan Tordan Miller,” adding,
“we as a nation do not talk enough about how jt miller’s name is jordan tordan.”
Others shared equally amusing ideas. One proposed it was clearly “Jimothy Timothy,” while another wrote,
“LMFAOO i think its actually jonathan tanner but much better.”
Social media reactions also ranged from disbelief to playful criticism. One fan questioned,
“did his parents know what they wanted his initials to be and just decided jordan with a t was good enough for a middle name??”
Another admitted mixed feelings, stating,
“I’m having a challenging time deciding if I am impressed or disgusted.”
Some comments poked fun at the variations with a dose of team pride, such as,
“Stop slandering New York Rangers captain Jonathan Tonnathon Miller.”
There was also a mention of a nickname tied to a member of the Rangers’ circle:
“Everyone who knows him calls him L.J. ‘That’s my whole life, I guess,’ Mooney said. ‘My dad’s name is John, so it stands for Little John, the L. So that’s what everyone calls me at home. I think I was always just L.J.’ L.J. is indeed little — a 5-foot-7 and 162-pound centre.”
The Rangers have not had a team captain since December, following the trade of Jacob Trouba to the Anaheim Ducks, leaving the leadership role open as the team searches for a new captain to guide them forward.
An NHL Insider Endorses J.T. Miller’s Captaincy for the Rangers
Veteran NHL reporter Larry Brooks has publicly advocated for J.T. Miller to become the next captain of the New York Rangers, emphasizing that the captaincy represents more than a letter on the jersey—it defines the team’s character. Writing for the New York Post, Brooks explained:
“The captain’s sweater is not just another piece of laundry. It represents the organization’s ethos. The Rangers acquired J.T. Miller to change the team culture. The 32-year-old is hard-edged and can be abrasive. That is the identity the Blueshirts should adopt.” —Larry Brooks, NHL Reporter
Historically, 29 players have worn the captain’s “C” for the Rangers, including hockey legend Mark Messier, who served twice as captain during 1991–1997 and again from 2000–2004. Alongside Miller, other contenders for the captaincy include defenseman Adam Fox and forward Vincent Trocheck, as the team weighs its options for leadership.
As the Rangers navigate this transitional period, the choice of their next captain is expected to influence not only the locker room dynamics but also the team’s broader identity as they push toward success in future NHL seasons.