The St. Louis Blues are giving a seasoned NHL veteran a chance to make their roster. President of Hockey Operations and General Manager Doug Armstrong announced that forward Milan Lucic has been signed to a professional tryout, offering the 37-year-old a shot to return to the NHL.
Mason Lohrei gives the Bruins a 2-1 lead.
— Conor Ryan (@ConorRyan_93) October 3, 2023
Nice feed from Milan Lucic. pic.twitter.com/6Hk7yVPrp1
Lucic, a Vancouver, British Columbia native, last played in the 2023-24 season with the Boston Bruins, where he recorded two assists in four regular-season games before taking an indefinite leave of absence in November. He later entered the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program, which he successfully completed, earning reinstatement from the NHL.
A physical presence and proven scorer, Lucic brings a wealth of experience to the Blues. Over his 17-year NHL career, he has suited up for the Boston Bruins, Calgary Flames, Edmonton Oilers, and Los Angeles Kings, amassing 586 points (233 goals, 353 assists) and 1,301 penalty minutes in 1,177 regular-season games. His playoff resume is equally impressive, with 77 points (29 goals, 48 assists) in 136 postseason contests, including a Stanley Cup championship with Boston in 2011.
Lucic will face stiff competition for a bottom-six role in Blues’ training camp, joining a crowded group of forwards vying for limited spots. Among them are promising prospects Aleksanteri Kaskimäki, Zach Dean, and Nikita Alexandrov, who all gained valuable experience in the AHL last season. Not to mention the current crowd of fourth line forwards Nathan Walker, Alexei Toropchenko, Oskar Sundqvist, and Mathieu Joseph. As camp unfolds, all eyes will be on whether Lucic’s veteran grit and leadership can secure him a place on the roster for the upcoming season.