Milan Lucic’s quest for an NHL comeback with the St. Louis Blues isn’t over yet. The veteran forward is taking the next step in his journey, signing a professional tryout (PTO) with the Springfield Thunderbirds, the Blues’ AHL affiliate. This move gives the 37-year-old a fresh opportunity to prove he’s healthy and still has gas left in the tank.
It’s been a bit of a rollercoaster for Lucic. He initially joined the St. Louis Blues on a PTO before training camp, looking to earn a spot on the main roster. He made an immediate impression, putting up a goal and an assist in four preseason games. Just when it seemed like he was finding his groove, a lower-body injury sidelined him, putting his plans on hold.
What This Means for the St. Louis Blues
Sending Lucic to the AHL is a strategic play by the President of Hockey Operations and General Manager Doug Armstrong. If he performs well and stays healthy with the Thunderbirds, a path back to the NHL with the St. Louis Blues is a real possibility.
However, signing him would create a roster crunch. The Blues would need to make a corresponding move, likely placing a current forward on waivers. With rookie Dalibor Dvorsky impressing since his call-up and scoring his first NHL goal, it’s unlikely he’d be the one sent down. The situation is further complicated by Jake Neighbours’ injury, though he isn’t expected back until later this month. For now, the puck is in Lucic’s rink to prove he belongs.
A Look Back at Lucic’s Career
You don’t just stumble into 1,177 NHL games. Lucic has carved out a long and impactful career built on grit, power, and a surprising scoring touch. The Vancouver native has suited up for some of the league’s most storied franchises, including the Boston Bruins, Los Angeles Kings, Edmonton Oilers, and Calgary Flames.
Throughout his career, he has amassed 233 goals and 353 assists for 586 points. But it’s the 1,301 penalty minutes that truly tell the story of his playing style. He’s a throwback player, an enforcer from an era where size and intimidation were just as important as skill.
This PTO with Springfield is more than just a tryout; it’s a testament to Lucic’s determination. He’s not ready to hang up the skates, and he’s willing to grind it out in the AHL for another shot at the big league. For the St. Louis Blues, it’s a chance to see if this old-school warrior can still make a difference in today’s game. All eyes will be on Springfield to see what this veteran has left to offer.
