As free agency begins in the NHL Saturday, a reunion that many Boston Bruins fans have been clamoring about for a few years is finally here. The Bruins have announced the re-signing of forward Milan Lucic to a one-year, $1 million contract bringing the former 2006 second-round draft pick back to the place where he began his career.
Lucic played eight seasons with Boston and amassed 139 goals and 203 assists in 566 regular season games. The rugged winger was also a solid postseason performer with 26 goals and 35 assists in 96 playoff games. The fan favorite was adored for his physical play and fighting prowess but was also a viable offensive threat.
In 2015, Lucic was traded to Los Angeles for a first-round pick, goaltender Martin Jones, and defenseman Colin Miller. That season Lucic scored 20 goals with 35 assists with the Kings before signing a seven-year deal with Edmonton the next offseason. The 35-year-old forward played three seasons with the Oilers, and after a productive season in 2016-17, Lucic saw a decline in his play, with just 16 goals over the next two seasons.
On July 19, 2019, the Oilers traded Lucic to Calgary for James Neal. The 6-foot-3, 235-pound left-shot wing scored just 35 goals in four seasons with the Flames and became an unrestricted free agent this offseason.
Now Lucic will be brought into the Bruins locker room as an enforcer of sorts and a locker room presence. His game might not be the same, but his impact could be positive as Boston turns over their roster this season.
