St. Louis, MO – The St. Louis Blues have extended a professional tryout offer to veteran forward Milan Lucic, the team announced today. This move allows the 37-year-old player an opportunity to compete for a roster spot during training camp.
Lucic’s Recent Journey and Return to Hockey
Table of Contents
- 1. Lucic’s Recent Journey and Return to Hockey
- 2. A Storied 17-Year Career
- 3. NHL Tryouts: A Path back to the Game
- 4. Frequently Asked Questions about Milan Lucic
- 5. what specific offensive metrics will the Blues coaching staff prioritize when evaluating Lucic’s “offensive creativity” during training camp?
- 6. Blues Extend Professional Tryout to Lucic as Part of Team’s Forward Depth Exploration
- 7. Lucic’s PTO: A Strategic Move for St. Louis?
- 8. Understanding the Blues’ Forward Depth Needs
- 9. Milan Lucic’s Career Profile & Potential Fit
- 10. PTO Implications: What does this Mean for Other Players?
- 11. Blues’ Recent PTO History & Success Rates
- 12. training Camp Focus: Key Areas to Watch
Lucic’s last National Hockey League appearance was during the 2023-2024 season with the Boston Bruins,where he accumulated two assists in four regular season contests. His season was interrupted by a personal leave of absence in November, following which he voluntarily entered the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program. Lucic has successfully completed the program and received clearance to resume his professional career.
The Player Assistance Program, jointly operated by the NHL and NHLPA, provides confidential support to players and their families dealing with a range of health and well-being challenges. Learn more about the program here.
A Storied 17-Year Career
Hailing from Vancouver,British Columbia,Lucic brings a wealth of experience to the Blues’ training camp,boasting a remarkable 17-year career across multiple franchises. He has previously worn the jerseys of the Boston Bruins,Calgary Flames,Edmonton oilers,and Los Angeles Kings.
throughout his illustrious career, Lucic has participated in 1,177 regular-season games, amassing an impressive 586 points-comprising 233 goals and 353 assists-along with 1,301 penalty minutes. In 136 playoff games, he has contributed 77 points (29 goals, 48 assists) and was a key member of the Boston Bruins team that clinched the 2011 Stanley Cup.
| Team | Seasons |
|---|---|
| Boston Bruins | 9 |
| Calgary Flames | 4 |
| Edmonton Oilers | 3 |
| Los Angeles Kings | 1 |
Did You Know? Milan Lucic was originally drafted 50th overall by the Boston Bruins in the 2006 NHL entry Draft.
The Blues’ decision to offer a tryout to Lucic reflects their commitment to evaluating experienced players who can contribute to the team’s success. It remains to be seen if Lucic can secure a position on the roster following training camp.
What role do you see Lucic potentially filling on the Blues, if he makes the team? And will his experience be a valuable asset for the younger players?
NHL Tryouts: A Path back to the Game
Professional tryouts are a common practice in the NHL, offering players the opportunity to showcase their skills and compete for a contract. These tryouts are particularly relevant for veterans seeking to continue their careers or players returning from time away from the game. The NHL’s free agency period typically sees a flurry of PTO signings as teams assess their options before finalizing their rosters. According to Spotrac, several players enter free agency each year, and many seek PTOs to prove their worth.
Frequently Asked Questions about Milan Lucic
- What is a professional tryout in the NHL? A professional tryout (PTO) allows a player to attend training camp and compete for a contract with a team without being signed.
- What is the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program? It’s a confidential program offering support to players and their families dealing with health and well-being challenges.
- How many career NHL games has Milan Lucic played? Milan Lucic has played 1,177 career regular season NHL games.
- Has Milan Lucic won a Stanley Cup? Yes, Milan Lucic won the Stanley Cup with the Boston Bruins in 2011.
- What teams has Milan Lucic played for? Milan lucic has played for the Boston Bruins, Calgary Flames, Edmonton Oilers, and Los Angeles Kings.
Share your thoughts on this developing story and let us know what you think about Lucic’s chances with the Blues in the comments below!
what specific offensive metrics will the Blues coaching staff prioritize when evaluating Lucic’s “offensive creativity” during training camp?
Blues Extend Professional Tryout to Lucic as Part of Team’s Forward Depth Exploration
Lucic’s PTO: A Strategic Move for St. Louis?
The St. Louis Blues have extended a professional tryout (PTO) to veteran forward Milan lucic, signaling a focused effort to assess forward depth options ahead of the 2025-2026 NHL season. This move comes as the Blues association evaluates potential additions to bolster their offensive capabilities and overall team competitiveness. The PTO allows both the Blues and Lucic to evaluate fit without immediate long-term commitment. Key areas of assessment will include Lucic’s on-ice performance, locker room presence, and ability to integrate into the Blues’ existing system.
Understanding the Blues’ Forward Depth Needs
Currently, the Blues’ forward lines feature a mix of established players and emerging talent. However, areas for potential improvement have been identified, particularly in providing consistent scoring depth and physical play.
Top-Six Stability: The Blues’ top-six forwards are largely set, but adding a player who can contribute offensively in a middle-six role is a priority.
Physical Presence: A consistent physical presence is something the Blues have been seeking to add, especially in a tough Western Conference. Lucic, known for his physicality, directly addresses this need.
Penalty Killing: Reliable penalty killers are crucial for success. Lucic has a history of contributing on the penalty kill, adding another dimension to his potential value.
injury Replacement: Having experienced players on PTOs provides insurance in case of injuries during training camp and the regular season.
Milan Lucic’s Career Profile & Potential Fit
Milan Lucic, a 35-year-old left winger, brings over 1,100 NHL games of experience. He’s played for the Boston Bruins, Los Angeles Kings, Edmonton oilers, and Calgary Flames. While his offensive production has declined in recent years, his size (6’4″, 236 lbs) and willingness to engage physically remain significant assets.
Here’s a breakdown of his key attributes:
physicality: Lucic is renowned for his robust checking and ability to win battles along the boards.
Experience: His extensive NHL experience provides leadership and stability.
Net-Front Presence: He’s capable of creating scoring opportunities by positioning himself effectively in front of the net.
Defensive responsibility: lucic isn’t afraid to backcheck and contribute defensively.
The Blues are likely evaluating whether Lucic can recapture some of his former offensive touch while continuing to provide the physical edge he’s known for. His potential role would likely be as a bottom-six forward, providing energy, physicality, and penalty-killing support.
PTO Implications: What does this Mean for Other Players?
Lucic’s PTO doesn’t necessarily signal a lack of confidence in current Blues prospects. Instead, it represents a low-risk prospect to assess a veteran player who could potentially fill a specific role.
Competition for Roster Spots: The PTO creates added competition for players vying for the final forward roster spots. Prospects and fringe players will need to impress during training camp to secure their positions.
Increased Scrutiny: Players on the bubble will face increased scrutiny from the coaching staff and management.
* Potential Trade Implications: If lucic doesn’t earn a contract with the Blues, his PTO performance could influence other teams’ interest in acquiring him.
Blues’ Recent PTO History & Success Rates
The Blues have utilized PTOs effectively in the past. In 2023, they extended a PTO to veteran defenseman Michael Del Zotto, who ultimately earned a one-year contract and became a valuable contributor to the team’s blue line. This precedent demonstrates the blues’ willingness to give veteran players a chance to prove themselves. The success rate of PTOs converting into full contracts varies, but the Blues have shown a discerning eye for identifying players who can add value to their roster. Analyzing past PTO signings provides insight into the Blues’ evaluation criteria and preferred player profiles.
training Camp Focus: Key Areas to Watch
During training camp, the Blues’ coaching staff will be closely evaluating Lucic in several key areas:
- Skating Speed & Endurance: Can he keep up with the pace of the game?
- Offensive Creativity: Is there any remaining offensive upside?
- Defensive Awareness: How responsible is he in his own zone?
- Team Chemistry: Does he fit in with the Blues’ locker room culture?
- Special Teams Contributions: Can he
