What's Happening?
Milan Lucic, a veteran NHL forward, has joined the Springfield Thunderbirds, the AHL affiliate of the St. Louis Blues, on a professional tryout (PTO). Lucic, who is 37 years old, initially joined the Blues on a PTO before
the 2025 training camp. He played in four preseason games, recording a goal and an assist, but was sidelined due to a lower-body injury. Lucic has an extensive NHL career, having played 1,177 regular-season games with teams such as Boston, Los Angeles, Edmonton, and Calgary, amassing 586 points and 1,301 penalty minutes.
Why It's Important?
Lucic's addition to the Thunderbirds is noteworthy as it brings a wealth of experience and leadership to the team. His presence could be instrumental in mentoring younger players and enhancing the team's performance. For Lucic, this opportunity represents a chance to prove his fitness and potentially secure a more permanent role within the organization. The move also highlights the strategic use of PTOs by NHL teams to evaluate veteran players without long-term commitments.
What's Next?
Lucic will aim to demonstrate his value during his time with the Thunderbirds, potentially leading to a contract offer from the Blues or another NHL team. His performance will be closely monitored by team management and could influence future roster decisions. The Thunderbirds will benefit from his experience as they compete in the AHL season.
