Bruins' Lucic taking indefinite leave from NHL team following undisclosed incident
2011 Stanley Cup champion with Boston hasn't played since Oct. 21 due to injury
The Boston Bruins say Milan Lucic is taking an indefinite leave of absence from the team after he was involved in an undisclosed incident Friday night.
The Bruins in a statement released Saturday did not provide any details about the incident other than to say the organization is aware of the situation and "takes these matters very seriously." The team said it would work with Lucic's family to provide any support and assistance needed.
Boston Police said it could neither confirm nor deny arresting Lucic early Saturday morning. A message sent to Lucic's agent was not immediately returned.
Lucic, 35, is veteran of over 1,300 NHL regular-season games with the Bruins, Los Angeles Kings, Edmonton Oilers and Calgary Flames. He won the Stanley Cup with Boston in 2011 and is back with the team after signing a one-year free agent contract last summer worth $1 million US with $500,000 in possible additional incentives.
The Vancouver native recorded two assists in four games during his second stint with Boston before sustaining an ankle injury against the Los Angeles Kings on Oct. 21. He was placed on long-term injured reserve on Oct. 28.
Bruins head coach Jim Montgomery echoed that after the team's morning skate, saying he had not spoken to Lucic and would refrain from discussing further details out of respect for privacy.
The Bruins, who host Montreal on Saturday night, said they would have no further comment.
Head coach Jim Montgomery echoed as much after the team's morning skate, saying he had not spoken to Lucic and would refrain from discussing further details out of respect for privacy.
Asked how to keep the situation from affecting the team, he said: "Our culture here is great, and we care about each other. With that, it's not a normal day. But we're professionals, and we have a game to play tonight. We have to get ready for it."
