Positive Signals: Out of the National Hockey League now for over two years, Milan Lucic is finally nearing a contract to return to play, but it will be in a surprising destination not exactly known as a hockey hotbed: The U.K.
Insider David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period has reported that Lucic will be signing in the UK’s Elite Ice Hockey League.
The 37-year-old last played in the NHL with the Boston Bruins in October of 2023, skating in four games and collecting two assists.
He was essentially banished from the league in November of that year, when he was arrested and charged in Boston for an alleged assault and battery involving his wife. That led him to take an indefinite leave and enter the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program.
Lucic domestic violence charges were dropped, but he’s been persona non grata in the NHL
The charges were later dropped, and while he was reinstated, he has been unable to secure a contract since then. He signed a PTO with the St. Louis Blues this past August but suffered a groin injury in camp. He later suited up with the Blues’ AHL affiliate, the Springfield Thunderbirds, where he posted just one assist in five games with a plus/minus rating of -7. The Blues released him two weeks ago.
Now, the Vancouver, BC native heads overseas for the first time in his 17-year career.
Lucic posted five 20-goal seasons in the NHL, split among the Boston Bruins, Edmonton Oilers and LA Kings. In a total of 1,177 games (also including time in Calgary), he had 233 goals and 586 points, with a +59 rating. The bruising 6’3″, 240-pound power forward regularly handed out 200+ hits per season. He will now apparently take his intimidating style of play to the UK to continue his career.
