One of the most popular players in Boston Bruins history returns to the Original Six franchise for the 2023-24 NHL season.
Free agent forward Milan Lucic, who spent the past four seasons with the Calgary Flames, has signed a contract with the Bruins. It’s a one-year contract with a base salary of $1 million plus performance bonuses, by Pierre LeBrun of TSN.
Lucic was selected by the Bruins in the second round of the 2006 NHL Entry Draft. He quickly became a fan favorite with his powerful style of play including huge shots, thrilling fights and plenty of goals. He was also a big part of the Bruins’ 2011 Stanley Cup-winning team.
The Bruins traded Lucic to the Los Angeles Kings in the summer of 2015, capping an eight-year run in Boston. He has played for the Kings, Edmonton Oilers and Flames for the past eight years.
What kind of role can we expect Lucic to play in Boston? Probably something similar to what Nick Foligno gave the Bruins last season. Lucic will provide toughness, bottom-six scoring and veteran leadership. He’ll probably play on the left wing of the fourth line or be the extra forward. Lucic had 19 points (seven goals, 12 assists) in 77 games with the Flames last season.
Earlier Saturday, the Bruins agreed to sign center Morgan Geekie and left winger James van Riemsdyk in free agency.