The New Jersey Devils have denied reports of signing Milan Lucic to a professional tryout agreement. The team stated that it is “categorically untrue” and that they couldn’t sign him to a PTO. Reports had surfaced about Lucic, who had previously been arrested in November for domestic violence charges while playing for the Boston Bruins. The charges were dropped in February after his wife refused to testify. The Bruins released a statement indicating he would not return to the team following the incident.
Lucic entered the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program following his arrest, which helps players and their families with substance abuse and mental health issues. While the league never suspended Lucic, he still needs to be reinstated by NHL commissioner Gary Bettman before resuming his career. Lucic, who has been training in New Jersey, is looking to return to the NHL after the incident.
The 36-year-old veteran forward’s potential tryout with the Devils was mistakenly reported by an Edmonton Oilers broadcaster, who later corrected himself. Lucic has been inactive since the incident and is now focused on getting back into the game. Despite the recent controversy, the player is determined to continue his hockey career and works towards reinstatement in the league.
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