Milan Lucic has not signed a professional tryout contract (PTO) with the New Jersey Devils, despite a recent claim.
According to a report from Edmonton Oilers radio commentator Bob Stauffer on *Oilers Now*, Lucic was supposedly set to join the Devils on a PTO deal. Lucic, who spent three seasons with the Oilers from 2016-2019, was rumored to be preparing for a new opportunity in New Jersey.
Milan Lucic will be signing a PTO with the New Jersey Devils, says Bob Stauffer pic.twitter.com/VawtkZUCEK
— Jacob (@timminstoilets) September 4, 2024
However, James Nichols of *New Jersey Hockey Now* quickly debunked the report after confirming with the Devils that they had neither signed nor were able to sign Lucic.
This was further corroborated by Canucks reporter Rick Dhaliwal, who spoke with Lucic’s agent, Gerry Johannson, confirming no such deal existed. Lucic remains ineligible to play in the NHL as he still needs to be reinstated by the league.
From the #NJDevils on Milan Lucic PTO rumor:
"Categorically untrue. His situation lies with the league. We haven't and couldn't sign him to a PTO. Apparently, Stauffer corrected t on his hit later n the day."
As you were, folks.
— James Nichols (@JamesNicholsNHL) September 5, 2024
Earlier this offseason, Frank Seravalli of *Daily Faceoff* reported that Lucic was barred from playing after a domestic violence-related arrest. Although the charges were later dropped when his wife chose not to testify in court, Lucic is still in the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program, and his return remains uncertain.
Update: Sources say Milan Lucic has been training in New Jersey this summer in an attempt to continue his playing career.
Lucic is currently ineligible to return to the #NHL. He was arrested in Boston last November for assault and battery, plead not guilty, and charges were…
— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) August 15, 2024
Lucic, now 36, last played for the Boston Bruins, where he scored 2 points in 4 games. A former Stanley Cup winner with Boston in 2011, Lucic has played for several teams, including the Los Angeles Kings, Edmonton Oilers, Calgary Flames, and the Bruins in his recent second stint.
