Milan Lucic seems to have been effectively blocked from returning to the NHL by Gary Bettman, with indications suggesting he may never play in the league again. Lucic was seen training in New Jersey over the summer, hoping to get back into shape for a new NHL season.
However, Lucic is currently ineligible to play in the NHL following his arrest in Boston last November for assault and battery. Although he pleaded not guilty and the charges were dropped in February after his wife invoked ‘marital privilege’ and declined to testify, the situation led Lucic to take an indefinite leave of absence from the Boston Bruins. His contract eventually expired, making him an unrestricted free agent (UFA).
To return to the NHL, Lucic would need clearance from NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman, which has not been granted. There’s no indication that Bettman intends to do so, raising the possibility that Lucic’s NHL career might be over. He has since entered the NHLPA Player Assistance program.
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