When the St. Louis Blues released their Opening Night roster, Milan Lucic was not among the players on it.
The ex-Bruins forward signed a professional tryout with the Blues in August and reunited with former Boston coach, Jim Montgomery.
Blues general manager Doug Armstrong told reporters on Tuesday that Lucic “got banged up” toward the end of the team’s preseason games. But St. Louis will keep the veteran around.
“We’re going to rehab him here, get him back up health-wise to 100% and likely reconnect on an in-season PTO to get him up and running and see where he’s at then,” Armstrong said.
Lucic last played in 2023 as a member of the Bruins — his second stint with the team — and amassed two assists. His return to Boston lasted just four games after he was arrested in November 2023 for pulling his wife’s hair and trying to choke her, according to a police report.
The 37-year-old pleaded not guilty to charges of assault and battery on a family or household member. The charges were dropped in February 2024 when his wife invoked marital privilege and refused to testify.
Lucic entered the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program after his arrest. The program helps NHL players and their families when dealing with substance abuse, mental health and other issues. Players can remain in the program for as long as they want, but must be cleared in order to return to the NHL.