The St. Louis Blues have awarded left winger Milan Lucic of Vancouver, British Columbia a professional tryout. This does not mean that Lucic has made the Blues organization. At this time, they have only given Lucic a tryout. In order for Lucic to earn a contract from the Blues, he needs to make the Blues organization.
Entered the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program
Lucic entered the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program in 2023. According to Rogers Sportsnet, he was allegedly arrested for assault and battery of a family member in November of 2023, but the domestic violence charge was dropped in 2024. According to hockeyfeed.com, Lucic has battled drug addiction, and was praised by his wife Brittany on Father’s Day for being sober.
Last played for the Bruins
Lucic had two assists in four games with the Bruins during the 2023-24 season. He was a -1 with two penalty minutes, one shot on goal, two blocked shots, 12 hits and three takeaways.
Both of Lucic’s assists came in Bruins wins. First, he set up David Pastrnak of Havirov, Czech Republic in a 3-1 Bruins win over the Chicago Blackhawks on October 11, 2023. Pastrnak’s goal was the game-winning goal at 13:09 of the second period, which put the Bruins up 2-1 at the time.
Lucic then set up Morgan Geekie of Strathclair, Manitoba in a 4-2 Bruins win over the Los Angeles Kings on October 21, 2023. Geekie put the Bruins up 2-1 with five minutes and 15 seconds left in the second period.
Lucic’s shots on goal also came in a Bruins’s win. It came on October 14, 2023 in a 3-2 Bruins win over the Nashville Predators.
Who has Lucic played for in the past?
Lucic has played for four National Hockey League organizations. He was with the Boston Bruins in two different stints. The first stint were eight seasons from 2007 to 2015, and another season in 2023-24. Lucic also played one season with the Los Angeles Kings (2015 to 2016), three seasons with the Edmonton Oilers (2016 to 2019), and four seasons with the Calgary Flames (2019 to 2023).
Stanley Cup champion
Lucic won the Stanley Cup with the Bruins in 2011. Recognized throughout the league at the time as an elite power forward, Lucic had 12 points in 25 postseason games and had 63 playoff penalty minutes. It is interesting that Lucic was part of a Bruins organization that beat the Vancouver Canucks in a dramatic seven games series. Lucic won the Stanley Cup in his native city of Vancouver.
Grade
This is a low risk move for the Blues. Lucic brings experience, offensive skill, and toughness. At this time the grade is a B, and could alter if the Blues come to terms with Lucic on a financial contract if he makes the team.
