Reports emerging in mid-August claimed former Boston Bruins forward Milan Lucic had signed with the New Jersey Devils in an attempt to return to the NHL ahead of next season.
That information, however, could be wrong as the aforementioned reports have been dismissed as false by New Jersey Hockey Now reporter James Nichols, who got in touch with the Devils organization to confirm the story’s veracity.
“Categorically untrue,” Nichols quoted a Devils’ spokesperson telling him on X on September 5. “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.”
Nichols went the distance to refute the original story, which originated from Edmonton Oilers radio commentator Bob Stauffer. Stauffer was the first to suggest that Lucic was about to sign a professional tryout contract (PTO) with the Devils ahead of training camp.
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
According to the Devils, via Nichols, no such deal exists with Lucic, and the team is not involved in any agreement with the 36-year-old free agent.
Shortly after Nichols shared his post, fellow insider Rick Dhaliwal also confirmed via Lucic’s agent, Gerry Johannson, that Lucic has not signed any deal. Dhaliwal added that Lucic still needs to be reinstated by the NHL.
Milan Lucic has not signed a PTO with the Devils according to his agent
Gerry Johannson.He needs to be cleared by the NHL before he signs anything.
— Rick Dhaliwal (@DhaliwalSports) September 5, 2024
“Milan Lucic has not signed a PTO with the Devils according to his agent Gerry Johannson,” Dhaliwal wrote on X. “He needs to be cleared by the NHL before he signs anything.” Lucic’s return to the NHL remains in question after he entered the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program following legal issues in 2023 when he was arrested in Boston.
Although the charges against him were dropped, his status in the league is still unresolved, and he has not been cleared to return by NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman.
Lucic, a former Stanley Cup champion with Boston, last played for the Bruins during the 2023–24 season. He recorded 2 points in four games before taking a leave of absence.
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