Even though the veteran forward’s domestic violence allegations have been dropped, the team announced that he will not be returning to the team.
“Milan Lucic will be on indefinite leave from the organization for the rest of the 2023-24 season.” The Boston Bruins organization is there for Milan and his family as he continues his personal rehabilitation.”
Lucic has played 17 NHL seasons, including the shortened 2023-24 season. He joined the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program after getting arrested. The program assists NHL players and their families in dealing with substance misuse, mental illness, and other challenges.
He will become a free agent after the season. Lucic signed a one-year veteran’s contract worth $1 million in the offseason, with an additional $500,000 attainable through incentives. He will not be able to meet such incentives. He only played four games before being injured. He was on injured reserve when he was arrested on November 18 for misdemeanor assault and battery on a family member.
His trial was set to begin on Friday, but charges were dismissed after his wife claimed marital privilege and refused to testify.
Lucic would not comment, but defense attorney Gary G. Pelletier told the Boston Globe:
“Milan is quite thrilled. He’s looking forward to getting his life and career back on track.
Unless the Bruins decide to sign him to a new contract during the offseason, he will most likely have to do it elsewhere.
