Milan Lucic blocked by Gary Bettman to continue NHL career

According to Frank Seravalli, Milan Lucic attempted to come back in the NHL but was blocked by commissioner Gary Bettman.

In November 2023, Lucic was arrested for assault and battery on a family member. Back then, he was under a one-year contract with the Boston Bruins organization, but missed most games, as he took a "leave of absence" from the team.

Since then, he joined the Player Assistance Program, the charges upon him were dropped, and became a free agent.

In a new report from Frank Seravalli, we learned that Lucic has been training this summer in New Jersey as he tries to pursue his NHL career.

The insider added that even if the veteran wasn't suspended by the NHL, Bettman would need to clear him to make a return, which hasn't been done yet.

In addition, in order for Lucic to make a return to the NHL, a team would need to show interest.

After what he did, signing him to a contract would attract a lot of negative feedback to any organization. Also, at 36 years old, Lucic isn't at the same level he used to. Taking a risk for something that likely won't pay later isn't something many general managers would do.

During the 2023-24 season, he was limited to only four games with the Bruins because of his legal troubles. He still managed to score two points, all assists.

Source: Frank Seravalli on X
Update: Sources say Milan Lucic has been training in New Jersey

Source for Milan Lucic's statistics: Hockey DB
Milan Lucic

MUST READ

2 hours ago  |  By Tom Banks Unforeseen Events Nearly Force Toronto Maple Leafs vs Utah Hockey Club Game to be Postponed

4 hours ago  |  By Tom Banks NHL Department of Player Safety Makes Official Ruling On Canucks Captain Quinn Hughes

5 hours ago  |  By Aaron Itovitch Canadian Team Unexpectedly Places 6-Foot-3 Enforcer on the NHL Waiver Wire

5 hours ago  |  By Aaron Itovitch Elliotte Friedman Hints at Trade of 30 Million Dollar Defenseman to Canadian Team

8 hours ago  |  By Aaron Itovitch 900-Game NHL Veteran Likely to Retire After Refusing to Sign With Canadian Team

9 hours ago  |  By Aaron Itovitch Toronto Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving Addresses Struggling Player Nick Robertson in New Interview

11 hours ago  |  By Julien Trekker Terrifying Scene for Carolina Hurricanes Goaltender Pyotr Kochetkov as He Blacks Out on the Ice

Nov 23  |  By Tom Banks Angry John Tortorella Calls Out One Flyers Player: Trade is Likely Per Elliotte Friedman

MORE STORIES