In a move that has piqued the interest of hockey enthusiasts, veteran forward and Stanley Cup champion Milan Lucic has signed a professional tryout (PTO) with the St. Louis Blues. This signals a determined attempt by the 37-year-old power forward to rejoin the National Hockey League, following a period of personal challenge and absence from the ice.
The Calculated Gamble: What a PTO Means
For those less familiar with the inner workings of professional sports, a professional tryout is precisely what it sounds like: an audition. It`s a low-risk, high-reward proposition for an NHL team. The Blues are not committing to a contract, salary, or roster spot. Instead, they offer Lucic a chance to demonstrate that he can still perform at an elite level, contribute to the team, and most importantly, that he is prepared to tackle the rigorous demands of an NHL season. For Lucic, it`s a critical opportunity to prove his worth, not just as a player, but as a resilient individual ready to reclaim his place in the league.
A Journey Back: Navigating Personal Turbulences
Lucic`s path back to this tryout has been anything but conventional. After a brief four-game stint with the Boston Bruins in the 2023-24 season, he took an indefinite leave of absence and subsequently entered the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program. This program is designed to support players facing a variety of personal and mental health challenges, underscoring the complexities that even professional athletes navigate off the ice. It has been confirmed that Lucic has successfully completed this program and has been reinstated by the NHL.
Further complicating his recent past, Lucic faced a domestic violence charge in November 2023, which was ultimately dropped by prosecutors in February 2024. While the details of personal matters are often private, the resolution of these legal issues clears a significant hurdle, allowing him to focus entirely on his professional aspirations. His return to hockey, therefore, isn`t just about physical readiness; it`s a testament to overcoming significant personal adversity.
The Intangibles: What Lucic Could Bring
Milan Lucic`s career statistics paint the picture of a durable, effective forward: 233 goals and 353 assists for 586 points across 1,177 career games with the Bruins, Calgary Flames, Edmonton Oilers, and Los Angeles Kings. But numbers alone don`t fully capture his impact. Lucic is renowned for his physical presence, his willingness to engage in the corners and in front of the net, and his ability to protect teammates. He`s a player who adds grit and a veteran edge, qualities often coveted by teams looking for depth and leadership.
Perhaps his most significant credential remains his Stanley Cup victory with the Boston Bruins in 2011. That championship experience, the understanding of what it takes to win at the highest level, is invaluable. For a team like the St. Louis Blues, which prides itself on a hardworking, competitive identity, Lucic`s presence, even on a tryout, brings a unique blend of veteran savvy and a “been-there, done-that” mentality that few can offer. It’s an opportunity to infuse the locker room with a proven winner without immediate financial commitment.
The Road Ahead: Earning His Spot
While the signing of a PTO is a promising first step, it is by no means a guarantee. Lucic will have to compete vigorously for a spot on the Blues` roster during training camp. He`ll be evaluated on his conditioning, his performance in drills and preseason games, and his overall fit within the team`s system and culture. For a player who has spent over a decade in the league, the challenge of proving oneself again, potentially alongside younger players vying for their first NHL chance, is a humbling but necessary part of this comeback.
A Story of Resilience on Ice
Milan Lucic`s journey back to the NHL, starting with this professional tryout with the St. Louis Blues, is more than just a hockey transaction. It`s a narrative of resilience, personal growth, and the enduring human spirit to overcome obstacles. Whether he ultimately earns a contract and returns to full-time NHL action remains to be seen, but his determination to step back onto the ice, ready to compete, is a testament to his passion for the game and his unwavering resolve. The hockey world will undoubtedly be watching closely.
