3 Former Bruins Who Still Can't Find a Job this Offseason

3. Milan Lucic, LW

The 2023-24 season was supposed to be a special year for Milan Lucic. After all, the veteran power forward was returning to the Bruins after spending eight seasons away from the franchise that drafted him. The hope was that his veteran leadership in the twilight of his career could help push the Bruins to another Stanley Cup run.

Having said that, Lucic's return ended almost as quickly as it began. After being put on the injured reserve with an ankle injury just four games into his campaign, Lucic was arrested in Boston following an alleged domestic violence incident, resulting in a leave of absence and his joining the player's assistance program. Although the charges were eventually dropped, the 36-year-old didn't end up playing another game with the B's.

NHL insider Frank Seravalli reported earlier this month that Lucic has been training in New Jersey for a possible comeback, but I wouldn't hold my breath.

Ignoring his off-ice issues (which you shouldn't), Lucic looked like a shell of his former self during his limited time with the Bruins. He's only grown slower with each passing season and his offensive upside is no longer there given that he hasn't scored more than 10 goals since 2016-17.

In other words, anyone expecting the Lucic of old will be greatly disappointed by his current version. Outside of a potential PTO with a forward-desperate team — and I mean desperate — chances are that we've seen the last of Lucic in the NHL.

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