Copyright MassLive
Milan Lucic will remain with the St. Louis Blues organization as he eyes an 18th NHL season and attempts to resurrect his career. The veteran forward signed a professional tryout agreement on Thursday with the Springfield Thunderbirds, St. Louis’ AHL affiliate. Lucic last played in 2023 as a member of the Bruins, his second stint with the team 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. Lucic 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. After his arrest, Lucic entered the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program. 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. Lucic signed a PTO with the Blues in August, reuniting him with coach Jim Montgomery, who was briefly his coach in Boston. The 37-year-old was injured in the preseason and did not make St. Louis’ Opening Night roster. Blues general manager Doug Armstrong said in October that Lucic got “banged up” during the final preseason games and would “likely reconnect on an in-season PTO.” A PTO does not guarantee a contract for Lucic. The Blues can release him at any time or can elect to sign him to a contract.
