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Milan Lucic Will Not Return to Bruins This Season Despite Dropped Domestic Violence Charges

The Bruins left-winger is unlikely to play for the team again.

By Ryan Bunton

Oct 11, 2023; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Bruins left wing Milan Lucic (17) during the second
Oct 11, 2023; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Bruins left wing Milan Lucic (17) during the second / Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports
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On Friday, prosecutors dropped domestic violence charges against Boston Bruins forward Milan Lucic, who was arrested on Nov. 18 on charges of suspicion of assault and battery on a family member.

Following the incident, the Boston Bruins released a statement regarding the situation, while also announcing that Lucic would be taking an indefinite leave of absence from the team.

"The Boston Bruins are aware of the situation involving Milan Lucic Friday evening. Milan is taking an indefinite leave of absence from the team. The organization takes these matters very seriously, and we will work with the Lucic family to provide any support and assistance they may need. We will have no further comment at this time."

- Statement from Boston Bruins on Nov. 18

Following the initial incident, Lucic entered the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program on Nov. 22. The player assistance program was introduced in 1996 and is intended to "assist players and their families in dealing with mental health, substance abuse, and other issues." The program grants NHL players access to a confidential phone line and counselors in each NHL city.

In light of the latest developments regarding the case, the Bruins released a statement on Friday indicating that Lucic would remain on leave for the remainder of the season and would not return. With Lucic in Boston on a one-year deal, it would surprising to see him in a Boston sweater again.

"Milan Lucic will remain on indefinite leave from the organization for the remainder of the 2023-24 season. The Boston Bruins organization supports Milan and his family as he continues his personal rehabilitation."

- Statement from Boston Bruins on Feb. 16

The 2023-24 season was Lucic's first season back in Boston after he was traded from the team in June 2015 to the Los Angeles Kings. He signed a one-year, $1 million deal with the Bruins on July 1. He has appeared in 1,117 games in his NHL career and won the 2011 Stanley Cup with Boston.

In only four games with the Bruins this season, Lucic registered no goals and two assists.

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