Milan Lucic officially announced his retirement from the NHL on his 38th birthday, marking the end of a significant 17-season career. The announcement came on Sunday, following a memorable journey that included a celebrated Stanley Cup win with the Boston Bruins in 2011.
Career Highlights of Milan Lucic
Lucic leaves the league after playing 1,177 regular-season games. Throughout his career, he accumulated 586 points, consisting of 233 goals and 353 assists. His teams included the Boston Bruins, Los Angeles Kings, Edmonton Oilers, and Calgary Flames.
Boston Bruins and Stanley Cup Victory
Lucic was selected by the Bruins in the second round as the 50th overall pick during the 2006 NHL Draft. At just 19 years old, he played in the 2007-08 season, recording 27 points from eight goals and 19 assists across 77 games.
- Three seasons with at least 24 goals
- Career-high of 30 goals in the 2010-11 season
- Contributed 12 points during Boston’s playoff run, including five goals
His career culminated in a significant achievement when the Bruins defeated the Vancouver Canucks in Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final at Rogers Arena, his hometown venue.
Career Timeline and Teams
Following his successful tenure with the Bruins, Lucic’s career continued with several notable moves:
- Traded to the Kings on June 26, 2015
- Signed a seven-year contract with the Oilers on July 1, 2016
- Traded to the Flames on July 19, 2019
Lucic celebrated a milestone by playing in his 1,000th NHL game, where he recorded an assist in a 3-2 overtime victory against the Toronto Maple Leafs on April 13, 2021.
Final Season and Legacy
In a twist of fate, Lucic returned to the Bruins by signing a one-year, $1 million contract on July 1, 2023. His last NHL appearance came during a game against the Kings on October 21, 2023, where he also contributed an assist.
Despite considering other opportunities, including a professional tryout with the St. Louis Blues in August 2025, Lucic decided to retire after a distinguished career.
Reflections on His Journey
Lucic expressed gratitude towards various organizations, coaches, teammates, and especially his family for their support throughout his journey. He acknowledged the pivotal role the Bruins played in launching his professional career and the lasting memories he created across multiple teams.
As fans celebrate Lucic’s remarkable contributions to hockey, his legacy remains tied to the triumphant Stanley Cup victory and the indelible mark he left on the NHL.
