Milan Lucic blocked by Gary Bettman to continue NHL career

Photo credit: Globe staff

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.