Milan Lucic's comeback journey with the St. Louis Blues has hit an unexpected roadblock. In a move that's sure to spark debate among fans, the Blues have officially ended Lucic's professional tryout (PTO) with their AHL affiliate. Let's break down what happened.
Blues President of Hockey Operations and General Manager Doug Armstrong made the announcement, confirming that the team has terminated the veteran forward's tryout with the Springfield Thunderbirds. Remember, Lucic, now 37 years old, initially signed a PTO with the Blues before the start of the 2025 training camp, hoping to prove he still had what it takes to compete at the NHL level. This kind of opportunity is often given to seasoned players looking to revive their careers or prove their fitness after a period away from the game, offering them a chance to showcase their skills within the team's system.
During the preseason, the imposing 6-foot-3, 240-pound Lucic participated in four games, managing to score a goal and contribute an assist. It seemed like he was making a solid case for himself. But here's where it gets controversial... A lower-body injury unfortunately sidelined him, throwing a wrench into his plans and halting his momentum.
After recovering from the injury, Lucic was assigned to the Springfield Thunderbirds, the Blues' AHL affiliate. In five games with the Thunderbirds, he recorded one assist and accumulated four penalty minutes. While this might not seem like much, it's important to remember that the AHL is a development league, and the focus is as much on evaluating potential as it is on pure statistical output. And this is the part most people miss... The Blues organization likely used this time to assess Lucic's overall fitness, his impact on younger players, and his ability to adapt to their current system.
Looking back at his impressive career, Lucic has played in a staggering 1,177 NHL regular-season games. Throughout those games, the Vancouver, British Columbia, native has amassed a total of 586 points, comprised of 233 goals and 353 assists. He's also known for his physical style of play, evidenced by his 1,301 penalty minutes. His extensive experience and reputation as a tough, reliable player are undeniable.
So, what does this mean for Lucic's future? Was this the right decision by the Blues, or did they give up on him too soon? Could another team potentially pick him up, giving him another shot at the NHL? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below! Do you think Lucic still has what it takes to play in the NHL? What would you have done if you were Doug Armstrong?
