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{{Use mdy dates|date=May 2013}} {{Use mdy dates|date=May 2013}}
{{Infobox ice hockey player {{Infobox ice hockey player
| name = Milan Lučić | name = Milan Lucic
| image = Milan Lucic-crop.jpg | image = Milan Lucic-crop.jpg
| image_size = 230px | image_size = 230px
| caption = Lučić during his time with the Bruins | caption = Lucic during his time with the Bruins
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1988|6|7}} | birth_date = {{birth date and age|1988|6|7}}
| birth_place = ], Canada | birth_place = ], Canada
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| career_start = 2007 | career_start = 2007
}} }}
'''Milan Lučić''' ({{IPA-sh|mǐlan lûːt͡ʃit͡ɕ|pron}}; born June 7, 1988) is a ] professional ] ] and an ] for the ] of the ] (NHL). He played major junior hockey with the ] in the ] (WHL) for three seasons and captured a ], while being named ] in ]. He was selected 50th overall in the ]<ref name=statistics>{{cite web|url=http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=83957|title=Milan Lučić hockey statistics & profile|accessdate=January 24, 2010|work=hockeyDB.com}}</ref> and made the ]' roster as a 19-year-old in ]. Three years later, he won a ] with the Bruins. He spent the first eight seasons of his NHL career with Boston prior to joining Los Angeles in June 2015. '''Milan Lucic''' ({{IPA-sh|mǐlan lûːt͡ʃit͡ɕ|pron}}; born June 7, 1988) is a ] professional ] ] and an ] for the ] of the ] (NHL). He played major junior hockey with the ] in the ] (WHL) for three seasons and captured a ], while being named ] in ]. He was selected 50th overall in the ]<ref name=statistics>{{cite web|url=http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=83957|title=Milan Lucic hockey statistics & profile|accessdate=January 24, 2010|work=hockeyDB.com}}</ref> and made the ]' roster as a 19-year-old in ]. Three years later, he won a ] with the Bruins. He spent the first eight seasons of his NHL career with Boston prior to joining Los Angeles in June 2015.


Internationally, he captained the ] at the ]. Lučić plays physically in the style of a ].<ref name=endearing/><ref>{{cite web|title=Milan Lučić Has the Ability to Be the Textbook Power Forward|url=http://www.nesn.com/2009/10/milan-lucic-has-the-ability-to-become-the-textbook-power-forward.html|accessdate=January 19, 2010|date=October 2, 2009|last=Murphy|first=James|publisher=]}}</ref> Internationally, he captained the ] at the ]. Lucic plays physically in the style of a ].<ref name=endearing/><ref>{{cite web|title=Milan Lucic Has the Ability to Be the Textbook Power Forward|url=http://www.nesn.com/2009/10/milan-lucic-has-the-ability-to-become-the-textbook-power-forward.html|accessdate=January 19, 2010|date=October 2, 2009|last=Murphy|first=James|publisher=]}}</ref>


==Early life== ==Early life==
Lučić was born in ] to ] couple Dobrivoje "Dobro" Lučić<ref>{{cite web|title=Milan Lučić’s father dies unexpectedly|url=https://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/2015/04/25/milan-lucic-father-dies-unexpectedly/acZai0LIEqerf2VbhQAEAN/story.html|website=BostonGlobe.com|accessdate=November 24, 2017|date=April 25, 2015}}</ref> and Snežana Kesa.<ref name=endearing/><ref>{{cite web|last1=Beattie|first1=John|title=Ten-Year-Old Milan Lučić Poses With Jaromir Jagr in 1998 Photo Alongside Brothers Jovan, Nikola (Photo)|url=https://nesn.com/2013/04/ten-year-old-milan-lucic-poses-with-jaromir-jagr-in-1998-photo-alongside-brothers-jovan-nikola-photo/|website=NESN.com|accessdate=November 24, 2017|date=April 2, 2013}}</ref> His father, a ], emigrated from ] (now ]) when he was 27, while his mother arrived from Yugoslavia (now ]) with her family at the age of two.<ref name=endearing/> He has a younger brother named Nikola and an older brother named ].<ref name=serb>{{cite news|title=Lučić is big, tough and scary|url=http://www.canada.com/topics/sports/hockey/canadiens/story.html?id=99482ae8-d64b-4f37-93bb-55faf57eaabf&k=76669|work=]|location=Montreal|accessdate=November 5, 2009|date=April 15, 2008|deadurl=yes|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080416163021/http://www.canada.com/topics/sports/hockey/canadiens/story.html?id=99482ae8-d64b-4f37-93bb-55faf57eaabf&k=76669|archivedate=April 16, 2008|df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Lucky Lučić |url=http://www.hockeyjournal.com/Article.php?ArtID=233 |author=Luedeke, Kirk |publisher=New England Hockey Journal |date=June 30, 2006 |accessdate=November 5, 2008 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090302202707/http://www.hockeyjournal.com/Article.php?ArtID=233 |archivedate=March 2, 2009 }}</ref> His maternal uncle, ], is a retired NHL ] who played for the ], ], ], and ].<ref>{{cite web|title=Milan Lučić Player Profile |url=http://www.hockeycanada.ca/index.php/ci_id/11737/la_id/1/ss_id/18613/player_id/10350/step/4.htm |accessdate=January 24, 2010 |publisher=] |archivedate=January 24, 2010 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5n1QZs82Y?url=http://www.hockeycanada.ca/index.php/ci_id/11737/la_id/1/ss_id/18613/player_id/10350/step/4.htm |deadurl=yes |df= }}</ref> Lucic was born in ] to ] couple Dobrivoje "Dobro" Lučić<ref>{{cite web|title=Milan Lucic’s father dies unexpectedly|url=https://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/2015/04/25/milan-lucic-father-dies-unexpectedly/acZai0LIEqerf2VbhQAEAN/story.html|website=BostonGlobe.com|accessdate=November 24, 2017|date=April 25, 2015}}</ref> and Snežana Kesa.<ref name=endearing/><ref>{{cite web|last1=Beattie|first1=John|title=Ten-Year-Old Milan Lucic Poses With Jaromir Jagr in 1998 Photo Alongside Brothers Jovan, Nikola (Photo)|url=https://nesn.com/2013/04/ten-year-old-milan-lucic-poses-with-jaromir-jagr-in-1998-photo-alongside-brothers-jovan-nikola-photo/|website=NESN.com|accessdate=November 24, 2017|date=April 2, 2013}}</ref> His father, a ], emigrated from ] (now ]) when he was 27, while his mother arrived from Yugoslavia (now ]) with her family at the age of two.<ref name=endearing/> He has a younger brother named Nikola and an older brother named ].<ref name=serb>{{cite news|title=Lucic is big, tough and scary|url=http://www.canada.com/topics/sports/hockey/canadiens/story.html?id=99482ae8-d64b-4f37-93bb-55faf57eaabf&k=76669|work=]|location=Montreal|accessdate=November 5, 2009|date=April 15, 2008|deadurl=yes|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080416163021/http://www.canada.com/topics/sports/hockey/canadiens/story.html?id=99482ae8-d64b-4f37-93bb-55faf57eaabf&k=76669|archivedate=April 16, 2008|df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Lucky Lucic |url=http://www.hockeyjournal.com/Article.php?ArtID=233 |author=Luedeke, Kirk |publisher=New England Hockey Journal |date=June 30, 2006 |accessdate=November 5, 2008 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090302202707/http://www.hockeyjournal.com/Article.php?ArtID=233 |archivedate=March 2, 2009 }}</ref> His maternal uncle, ], is a retired NHL ] who played for the ], ], ], and ].<ref>{{cite web|title=Milan Lucic Player Profile |url=http://www.hockeycanada.ca/index.php/ci_id/11737/la_id/1/ss_id/18613/player_id/10350/step/4.htm |accessdate=January 24, 2010 |publisher=] |archivedate=January 24, 2010 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5n1QZs82Y?url=http://www.hockeycanada.ca/index.php/ci_id/11737/la_id/1/ss_id/18613/player_id/10350/step/4.htm |deadurl=yes |df= }}</ref>


Growing up, Lučić attended ] in Vancouver.<ref>{{cite web|title=Lučić steps up again and again |url=http://www.bchockey.com/story.aspx?c=20&id=761 |accessdate=October 27, 2008 |publisher=''Hockey Now'' |author=Chong, Andrew |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20081223102403/http://www.bchockey.com/story.aspx?c=20 |archivedate=December 23, 2008 }}</ref> He was a fan of the hometown ] and has singled out power forward ] as one of his favourite players when following the team.<ref>{{cite news|title=Milan Lučić has hometown advantage|url=http://sports.espn.go.com/boston/nhl/columns/story?columnist=murphy_james&id=6614270|accessdate=December 17, 2011|date=June 1, 2011|publisher=]|author=Murphy, James}}</ref> At the age of 15, he was diagnosed with ], a condition that can cause the upper back to curve and has given Lučić a hunched-over posture.<ref name=endearing/> Growing up, Lucic attended ] in Vancouver.<ref>{{cite web|title=Lucic steps up again and again |url=http://www.bchockey.com/story.aspx?c=20&id=761 |accessdate=October 27, 2008 |publisher=''Hockey Now'' |author=Chong, Andrew |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20081223102403/http://www.bchockey.com/story.aspx?c=20 |archivedate=December 23, 2008 }}</ref> He was a fan of the hometown ] and has singled out power forward ] as one of his favourite players when following the team.<ref>{{cite news|title=Milan Lucic has hometown advantage|url=http://sports.espn.go.com/boston/nhl/columns/story?columnist=murphy_james&id=6614270|accessdate=December 17, 2011|date=June 1, 2011|publisher=]|author=Murphy, James}}</ref> At the age of 15, he was diagnosed with ], a condition that can cause the upper back to curve and has given Lucic a hunched-over posture.<ref name=endearing/>


Lučić played ] (VMHA) in Vancouver, but nearly quit the sport after being passed up in the ].<ref name=quit/> He was invited to play for the ] of the Junior A ] (BCHL), but was further demoralized when he initially failed to make the team out of rookie camp. He agreed to play, instead, for the Junior B ], but later played his way onto the Express after five games.<ref name=quit>{{cite web|title=Lučić almost quit in 2003|url=http://www.canada.com/theprovince/news/sports/story.html?id=b151de18-09c6-4893-82ae-061261a4c9b4|accessdate=November 8, 2008|date=October 28, 2008|publisher='']''|deadurl=yes|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090305063610/http://www2.canada.com/theprovince/news/sports/story.html?id=b151de18-09c6-4893-82ae-061261a4c9b4|archivedate=March 5, 2009|df=mdy-all}}</ref> Lucic played ] (VMHA) in Vancouver, but nearly quit the sport after being passed up in the ].<ref name=quit/> He was invited to play for the ] of the Junior A ] (BCHL), but was further demoralized when he initially failed to make the team out of rookie camp. He agreed to play, instead, for the Junior B ], but later played his way onto the Express after five games.<ref name=quit>{{cite web|title=Lucic almost quit in 2003|url=http://www.canada.com/theprovince/news/sports/story.html?id=b151de18-09c6-4893-82ae-061261a4c9b4|accessdate=November 8, 2008|date=October 28, 2008|publisher='']''|deadurl=yes|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090305063610/http://www2.canada.com/theprovince/news/sports/story.html?id=b151de18-09c6-4893-82ae-061261a4c9b4|archivedate=March 5, 2009|df=mdy-all}}</ref>


==Playing career== ==Playing career==


===Amateur=== ===Amateur===
Lučić began his ] career with the ] of the ] in 2004–05. In the same season, he made his ] debut with the ], his hometown ] (WHL) team, playing in one regular-season game and two playoff games. He joined the Giants full-time in ], scoring 19 points in 62 games. He added seven points in 18 playoff games to help the Giants to a ] and an appearance in the ]. In the off-season, he was selected 50th overall by the ] in the second round of the ]. Bruins management had considered taking Lučić earlier in the second round with the 37th overall pick, but chose defenceman ] instead. Bruins Director of Scouting Scott Bradley admitted he did not expect Lučić to still be available with the 50th pick, adding, "We were fortunate to get him."<ref name=punches>{{cite web|title=Bruins rookie Lučić punches up résumé|url=http://www.boston.com/sports/hockey/bruins/articles/2007/06/03/a_cam_nearly_in_lucic/|accessdate=January 20, 2010|date=June 3, 2007|publisher='']''|author=Shinzawa, Fluto}}</ref> Lucic began his ] career with the ] of the ] in 2004–05. In the same season, he made his ] debut with the ], his hometown ] (WHL) team, playing in one regular-season game and two playoff games. He joined the Giants full-time in ], scoring 19 points in 62 games. He added seven points in 18 playoff games to help the Giants to a ] and an appearance in the ]. In the off-season, he was selected 50th overall by the ] in the second round of the ]. Bruins management had considered taking Lucic earlier in the second round with the 37th overall pick, but chose defenceman ] instead. Bruins Director of Scouting Scott Bradley admitted he did not expect Lucic to still be available with the 50th pick, adding, "We were fortunate to get him."<ref name=punches>{{cite web|title=Bruins rookie Lucic punches up résumé|url=http://www.boston.com/sports/hockey/bruins/articles/2007/06/03/a_cam_nearly_in_lucic/|accessdate=January 20, 2010|date=June 3, 2007|publisher='']''|author=Shinzawa, Fluto}}</ref>


] ]
The following season, in ], Lučić emerged as one of the Giants' leaders, finishing first in team scoring with 68 points in 70 games.<ref>{{cite web|title=Top Scorers – 2006–07 WHL Season – Vancouver Giants |url=http://whl.ca/stats/statdisplay.php?type=skaters&subType=20&season_id=227&leagueId=26&lastActive=&singleSeason=&confId=0 |accessdate=January 20, 2010 |publisher=] |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20100129065537/http://whl.ca/stats/statdisplay.php?type=skaters |archivedate=January 29, 2010 }}</ref> He added 19 points in 22 post-season games as the Giants lost the WHL Finals to the ] in seven games. Despite losing the WHL title, Vancouver appeared in the ] as tournament hosts.<ref name=mem07/> Lučić and the Giants met Medicine Hat once more in the tournament final, capturing the ] (CHL) title by a 3–1 score.<ref name=mem07/> Lučić assisted on ]'s tournament-winning goal with five minutes to play in regulation.<ref name=mem07>{{cite web|title=The 2007 Memorial Cup History |url=http://mastercardmemorialcup.com/cuphistory.php?y=2007 |accessdate=January 20, 2010 |publisher=] |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20100115081540/http://mastercardmemorialcup.com/cuphistory.php?y=2007 |archivedate=January 15, 2010 |deadurl=yes |df= }}</ref> He finished the tournament tied for the lead in scoring with Řepík (with more goals, Řepík was awarded the ] as leading scorer) and earned the ] as tournament MVP.<ref name=mem07/> The following season, in ], Lucic emerged as one of the Giants' leaders, finishing first in team scoring with 68 points in 70 games.<ref>{{cite web|title=Top Scorers – 2006–07 WHL Season – Vancouver Giants |url=http://whl.ca/stats/statdisplay.php?type=skaters&subType=20&season_id=227&leagueId=26&lastActive=&singleSeason=&confId=0 |accessdate=January 20, 2010 |publisher=] |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20100129065537/http://whl.ca/stats/statdisplay.php?type=skaters |archivedate=January 29, 2010 }}</ref> He added 19 points in 22 post-season games as the Giants lost the WHL Finals to the ] in seven games. Despite losing the WHL title, Vancouver appeared in the ] as tournament hosts.<ref name=mem07/> Lucic and the Giants met Medicine Hat once more in the tournament final, capturing the ] (CHL) title by a 3–1 score.<ref name=mem07/> Lucic assisted on ]'s tournament-winning goal with five minutes to play in regulation.<ref name=mem07>{{cite web|title=The 2007 Memorial Cup History |url=http://mastercardmemorialcup.com/cuphistory.php?y=2007 |accessdate=January 20, 2010 |publisher=] |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20100115081540/http://mastercardmemorialcup.com/cuphistory.php?y=2007 |archivedate=January 15, 2010 |deadurl=yes |df= }}</ref> He finished the tournament tied for the lead in scoring with Řepík (with more goals, Řepík was awarded the ] as leading scorer) and earned the ] as tournament MVP.<ref name=mem07/>


Nearly four years after his last junior game, Lučić was honoured by the Giants prior to a game against the ] on February 25, 2011. Dubbed "Milan Lučić Night," he was added to the club's Ring of Honour, showcasing the top Giants alumni of all-time. The first 500 game-attendees were also given free Lučić bobblehead dolls.<ref>{{cite news|title=Milan Lučić honoured by Giants|url=http://www.whl.ca/article/milan-lucic-honoured-by-giants|accessdate=February 26, 2011|date=February 26, 2011|publisher=]}}</ref> As part of the team's ten-year anniversary, he was also voted by fans as the team's best player of all-time.<ref>{{cite news|title=Top 10 Giants of the Decade|url=http://www.vancouvergiants.com/article/top-10-giants-of-the-decade_95278|accessdate=March 21, 2011|publisher=]}}</ref> Nearly four years after his last junior game, Lucic was honoured by the Giants prior to a game against the ] on February 25, 2011. Dubbed "Milan Lucic Night," he was added to the club's Ring of Honour, showcasing the top Giants alumni of all-time. The first 500 game-attendees were also given free Lucic bobblehead dolls.<ref>{{cite news|title=Milan Lucic honoured by Giants|url=http://www.whl.ca/article/milan-lucic-honoured-by-giants|accessdate=February 26, 2011|date=February 26, 2011|publisher=]}}</ref> As part of the team's ten-year anniversary, he was also voted by fans as the team's best player of all-time.<ref>{{cite news|title=Top 10 Giants of the Decade|url=http://www.vancouvergiants.com/article/top-10-giants-of-the-decade_95278|accessdate=March 21, 2011|publisher=]}}</ref>


]|alt=A frontal view of a hockey player in his early twenties, cut off at the thighs, during a hockey game. He is wearing a black and yellow jersey with a logo containing a capitalized "B". The number "17" is visible on his jersey's left sleeve. He is looking downwards with an intent expression on his face.]] ]|alt=A frontal view of a hockey player in his early twenties, cut off at the thighs, during a hockey game. He is wearing a black and yellow jersey with a logo containing a capitalized "B". The number "17" is visible on his jersey's left sleeve. He is looking downwards with an intent expression on his face.]]


===Professional=== ===Professional===


====Boston Bruins==== ====Boston Bruins====
In the 2007 off-season, Lučić signed an entry-level contract with the Bruins on August 2.<ref>{{cite web|title=Boston Bruins sign left wing Milan Lučić |url=http://bruins.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=448219 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5n1Q0KLDl?url=http://bruins.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=448219 |archivedate=January 24, 2010 |publisher=] |accessdate=January 24, 2010 |date=February 8, 2007 |deadurl=yes |df= }}</ref> He had been chosen as the Giants' next team captain,<ref>{{cite web|title=Vancouver honours conquering Giants|url=http://www.canada.com/victoriatimescolonist/news/sports/story.html?id=4b365422-1712-484a-bc76-11ad574023d1|accessdate=January 19, 2010|date=May 30, 2007|publisher='']''|deadurl=yes|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110604125349/http://www.canada.com/victoriatimescolonist/news/sports/story.html?id=4b365422-1712-484a-bc76-11ad574023d1|archivedate=June 4, 2011|df=mdy-all}}</ref> but made the Bruins' ] opening roster out of training camp. He played in his first career NHL game on October 5, 2007, a 4–1 loss to the ], in which he fought opposing forward ].<ref>{{cite web|title=Turco limits Bruins to power-play goal as Stars win home opener|url=http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/recap?gameId=271005009|accessdate=July 21, 2008|date=October 6, 2007|publisher=]}}</ref> His first goal came a week later on October 12 against ], a ], in an 8–6 win against the ].<ref>{{cite web|title=Boston 8, Los Angeles 6|url=https://www.usatoday.com/sports/scores107/107285/NHL773328.htm|accessdate=January 20, 2010|date=October 12, 2007|publisher='']''}}</ref> By also fighting Kings forward ] and notching an assist, he recorded a ] (an unofficial statistic constituting a goal, an assist and a fight in one game).<ref name=youngstars08/> Unsure of whether the Bruins would keep him or return him to junior,<ref>{{cite web|title=Lučić makes impression in Boston|url=http://www.canada.com/victoriatimescolonist/news/sports/story.html?id=cb066ee0-005d-4b7c-9255-2fc1c4d58635|accessdate=January 20, 2010|date=October 18, 2007|publisher='']''|deadurl=yes|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110604125837/http://www.canada.com/victoriatimescolonist/news/sports/story.html?id=cb066ee0-005d-4b7c-9255-2fc1c4d58635|archivedate=June 4, 2011|df=mdy-all}}</ref> he stayed in a downtown hotel in ] to start the season.<ref name=punches/> However, Lučić made enough of an impression during his first set of games with the Bruins, showing grit and consistent willingness to fight (he recorded 13 fighting majors in his rookie season),<ref name=endearing>{{Cite web|title=Lučić endearing himself to fans all over|url=http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=395455|accessdate=December 3, 2008|date=December 2, 2008|author=Wigge, Larry|publisher=]}}</ref> that they decided to keep him in the lineup.<ref name=keep>{{Cite web|title=Bruins decide to keep Lučić|url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/article790633.ece|accessdate=January 20, 2010|date=October 22, 2007|publisher='']''}}</ref> Bruins management informed the Giants prior to Lučić's tenth game, accounting for the NHL's nine-game maximum for junior-eligible players to stay with their NHL club without initiating their contract.<ref name=keep/> He was chosen to participate in the ] ]<ref name=youngstars08>{{cite web|title=Bruins' Lučić heads to YoungStars game|url=http://www.boston.com/sports/hockey/bruins/articles/2008/01/25/lucic_is_tough_to_ignore/|accessdate=January 20, 2010|date=January 25, 2008|publisher='']''|author=Shinzawa, Fluto}}</ref> and finished his rookie campaign with eight goals and 27 points. Towards the end of the season, he was voted by Bruins fans for the team's Seventh Player Award for exceeding expectations.<ref name=seventh>{{cite web|title=Boston's new hope |archivedate=January 24, 2010 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5n1QAZI41?url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/writers/allan_muir/03/28/notes/1.html |url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/writers/allan_muir/03/28/notes/1.html |accessdate=January 24, 2010 |date=March 28, 2008 |publisher=] |author=Muir, Allan |deadurl=yes |df= }}</ref> Matched up against the first-seeded ] in the opening round, Lučić scored his first ] goal in Game 3 on April 13, 2008.<ref>{{cite web|title=Savard's OT goal leads Bruins to 2–1 overtime victory over Canadiens|url=https://www.usatoday.com/sports/scores108/108104/NHL819578.htm|accessdate=December 7, 2009|date=April 13, 2008|publisher='']''}}</ref> He finished his first NHL post-season with two goals as the Bruins were eliminated by the Canadiens in seven games. In the 2007 off-season, Lucic signed an entry-level contract with the Bruins on August 2.<ref>{{cite web|title=Boston Bruins sign left wing Milan Lucic |url=http://bruins.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=448219 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5n1Q0KLDl?url=http://bruins.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=448219 |archivedate=January 24, 2010 |publisher=] |accessdate=January 24, 2010 |date=February 8, 2007 |deadurl=yes |df= }}</ref> He had been chosen as the Giants' next team captain,<ref>{{cite web|title=Vancouver honours conquering Giants|url=http://www.canada.com/victoriatimescolonist/news/sports/story.html?id=4b365422-1712-484a-bc76-11ad574023d1|accessdate=January 19, 2010|date=May 30, 2007|publisher='']''|deadurl=yes|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110604125349/http://www.canada.com/victoriatimescolonist/news/sports/story.html?id=4b365422-1712-484a-bc76-11ad574023d1|archivedate=June 4, 2011|df=mdy-all}}</ref> but made the Bruins' ] opening roster out of training camp. He played in his first career NHL game on October 5, 2007, a 4–1 loss to the ], in which he fought opposing forward ].<ref>{{cite web|title=Turco limits Bruins to power-play goal as Stars win home opener|url=http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/recap?gameId=271005009|accessdate=July 21, 2008|date=October 6, 2007|publisher=]}}</ref> His first goal came a week later on October 12 against ], a ], in an 8–6 win against the ].<ref>{{cite web|title=Boston 8, Los Angeles 6|url=https://www.usatoday.com/sports/scores107/107285/NHL773328.htm|accessdate=January 20, 2010|date=October 12, 2007|publisher='']''}}</ref> By also fighting Kings forward ] and notching an assist, he recorded a ] (an unofficial statistic constituting a goal, an assist and a fight in one game).<ref name=youngstars08/> Unsure of whether the Bruins would keep him or return him to junior,<ref>{{cite web|title=Lucic makes impression in Boston|url=http://www.canada.com/victoriatimescolonist/news/sports/story.html?id=cb066ee0-005d-4b7c-9255-2fc1c4d58635|accessdate=January 20, 2010|date=October 18, 2007|publisher='']''|deadurl=yes|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110604125837/http://www.canada.com/victoriatimescolonist/news/sports/story.html?id=cb066ee0-005d-4b7c-9255-2fc1c4d58635|archivedate=June 4, 2011|df=mdy-all}}</ref> he stayed in a downtown hotel in ] to start the season.<ref name=punches/> However, Lucic made enough of an impression during his first set of games with the Bruins, showing grit and consistent willingness to fight (he recorded 13 fighting majors in his rookie season),<ref name=endearing>{{Cite web|title=Lucic endearing himself to fans all over|url=http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=395455|accessdate=December 3, 2008|date=December 2, 2008|author=Wigge, Larry|publisher=]}}</ref> that they decided to keep him in the lineup.<ref name=keep>{{Cite web|title=Bruins decide to keep Lucic|url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/article790633.ece|accessdate=January 20, 2010|date=October 22, 2007|publisher='']''}}</ref> Bruins management informed the Giants prior to Lucic's tenth game, accounting for the NHL's nine-game maximum for junior-eligible players to stay with their NHL club without initiating their contract.<ref name=keep/> He was chosen to participate in the ] ]<ref name=youngstars08>{{cite web|title=Bruins' Lucic heads to YoungStars game|url=http://www.boston.com/sports/hockey/bruins/articles/2008/01/25/lucic_is_tough_to_ignore/|accessdate=January 20, 2010|date=January 25, 2008|publisher='']''|author=Shinzawa, Fluto}}</ref> and finished his rookie campaign with eight goals and 27 points. Towards the end of the season, he was voted by Bruins fans for the team's Seventh Player Award for exceeding expectations.<ref name=seventh>{{cite web|title=Boston's new hope |archivedate=January 24, 2010 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5n1QAZI41?url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/writers/allan_muir/03/28/notes/1.html |url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/writers/allan_muir/03/28/notes/1.html |accessdate=January 24, 2010 |date=March 28, 2008 |publisher=] |author=Muir, Allan |deadurl=yes |df= }}</ref> Matched up against the first-seeded ] in the opening round, Lucic scored his first ] goal in Game 3 on April 13, 2008.<ref>{{cite web|title=Savard's OT goal leads Bruins to 2–1 overtime victory over Canadiens|url=https://www.usatoday.com/sports/scores108/108104/NHL819578.htm|accessdate=December 7, 2009|date=April 13, 2008|publisher='']''}}</ref> He finished his first NHL post-season with two goals as the Bruins were eliminated by the Canadiens in seven games.


Early into the ], Lučić recorded his first career NHL ] and added an assist in a 5–4 win against the ] on October 25, 2008.<ref>{{cite web|title=Lučić's hat trick leads Bruins past Thrashers|url=http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008020105|accessdate=October 25, 2008|date=October 25, 2008|publisher=]}}</ref> Later that week, Lučić made a much-publicized return to his hometown in a game against the Vancouver Canucks, which featured a picture of him as a baby on the back page of Vancouver's '']'' newspaper.<ref>{{Cite web|title=City gives Lučić a welcome homecoming|url=http://www.bostonherald.com/sports/hockey/bruins/view/2008_10_29_City_gives_Milan_Lucic_a_welcome_homecoming/|accessdate=November 8, 2008|date=October 29, 2008|publisher='']''}}</ref> Earlier in the year, Lučić's 2007 Memorial Cup ring had been stolen from his home in ] on July 10, 2008.<ref>{{cite web|title=Burglars take Milan Lučić's Memorial Cup ring|url=http://www.canada.com/theprovince/news/story.html?id=e0298c1a-4524-4f04-8e08-8bd00c07cd97|accessdate=November 8, 2008|date=July 11, 2008|publisher='']''|deadurl=yes|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080809120112/http://www.canada.com/theprovince/news/story.html?id=e0298c1a-4524-4f04-8e08-8bd00c07cd97|archivedate=August 9, 2008|df=mdy-all}}</ref> In a private ceremony before the game against the Canucks, he was presented a replacement ring by Vancouver Giants ownership.<ref>{{cite web|title=New kid can't wow them all the time|url=http://www.canada.com/theprovince/news/sports/story.html?id=17e0dc9f-ab56-4c98-9ca0-869b5c28a192&p=1|accessdate=November 8, 2008|date=October 29, 2008|publisher='']''|deadurl=yes|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090305062355/http://www2.canada.com/theprovince/news/sports/story.html?id=17e0dc9f-ab56-4c98-9ca0-869b5c28a192&p=1|archivedate=March 5, 2009|df=mdy-all}}</ref> Early into the ], Lucic recorded his first career NHL ] and added an assist in a 5–4 win against the ] on October 25, 2008.<ref>{{cite web|title=Lucic's hat trick leads Bruins past Thrashers|url=http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2008020105|accessdate=October 25, 2008|date=October 25, 2008|publisher=]}}</ref> Later that week, Lucic made a much-publicized return to his hometown in a game against the Vancouver Canucks, which featured a picture of him as a baby on the back page of Vancouver's '']'' newspaper.<ref>{{Cite web|title=City gives Lucic a welcome homecoming|url=http://www.bostonherald.com/sports/hockey/bruins/view/2008_10_29_City_gives_Milan_Lucic_a_welcome_homecoming/|accessdate=November 8, 2008|date=October 29, 2008|publisher='']''}}</ref> Earlier in the year, Lucic's 2007 Memorial Cup ring had been stolen from his home in ] on July 10, 2008.<ref>{{cite web|title=Burglars take Milan Lucic's Memorial Cup ring|url=http://www.canada.com/theprovince/news/story.html?id=e0298c1a-4524-4f04-8e08-8bd00c07cd97|accessdate=November 8, 2008|date=July 11, 2008|publisher='']''|deadurl=yes|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080809120112/http://www.canada.com/theprovince/news/story.html?id=e0298c1a-4524-4f04-8e08-8bd00c07cd97|archivedate=August 9, 2008|df=mdy-all}}</ref> In a private ceremony before the game against the Canucks, he was presented a replacement ring by Vancouver Giants ownership.<ref>{{cite web|title=New kid can't wow them all the time|url=http://www.canada.com/theprovince/news/sports/story.html?id=17e0dc9f-ab56-4c98-9ca0-869b5c28a192&p=1|accessdate=November 8, 2008|date=October 29, 2008|publisher='']''|deadurl=yes|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090305062355/http://www2.canada.com/theprovince/news/sports/story.html?id=17e0dc9f-ab56-4c98-9ca0-869b5c28a192&p=1|archivedate=March 5, 2009|df=mdy-all}}</ref>


Lučić was chosen to his second ] in January 2009. However, he did not compete for the sophomores in ] due to an undisclosed upper-body injury.<ref name=youngstars09>{{Cite web|date=January 9, 2009 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5n1QQnd0P?url=http://www.sportingnews.com/nhl/article/2009-01-09/youngstars-selected-expect-wide-open-contest |archivedate=January 24, 2010 |title=YoungStars selected, expect wide-open contest |url=http://www.sportingnews.com/yourturn/viewtopic.php?t=505329 |accessdate=January 18, 2009 |publisher=] |deadurl=yes |df= }}</ref> Near the end of the season, on April 4, 2009, Lučić was awarded the Bruins' Eddie Shore Award for hustle and determination.<ref name=shore>{{Cite web|title=Tim Thomas deal puts cap pressure on Chiarelli|url=http://news.bostonherald.com/sports/hockey/bruins/view/2009_04_05_Tim_Thomas_deal_puts_cap_pressure_on_Chiarelli/srvc=home&position=recent|accessdate=April 6, 2009|date=April 5, 2009|publisher='']''|author=Harris, Stephen}}</ref> He finished his second NHL season improving to 17 goals and 42 points in 72 games, while playing predominantly on a line with the Bruins' top centre, ].<ref name=bounce>{{Cite news|title=Bruins winger Milan Lučić confident he'll bounce back from injury-plagued season|url=http://www.enterprisenews.com/sports/pros/x1220565938/Bruins-winger-Milan-Lucic-confident-he-ll-bounce-back-from-injury-plagued-season#axzz1F8r1HWqJ|accessdate=February 26, 2011|date=September 19, 2010|publisher='']''}}</ref> Lucic was chosen to his second ] in January 2009. However, he did not compete for the sophomores in ] due to an undisclosed upper-body injury.<ref name=youngstars09>{{Cite web|date=January 9, 2009 |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5n1QQnd0P?url=http://www.sportingnews.com/nhl/article/2009-01-09/youngstars-selected-expect-wide-open-contest |archivedate=January 24, 2010 |title=YoungStars selected, expect wide-open contest |url=http://www.sportingnews.com/yourturn/viewtopic.php?t=505329 |accessdate=January 18, 2009 |publisher=] |deadurl=yes |df= }}</ref> Near the end of the season, on April 4, 2009, Lucic was awarded the Bruins' Eddie Shore Award for hustle and determination.<ref name=shore>{{Cite web|title=Tim Thomas deal puts cap pressure on Chiarelli|url=http://news.bostonherald.com/sports/hockey/bruins/view/2009_04_05_Tim_Thomas_deal_puts_cap_pressure_on_Chiarelli/srvc=home&position=recent|accessdate=April 6, 2009|date=April 5, 2009|publisher='']''|author=Harris, Stephen}}</ref> He finished his second NHL season improving to 17 goals and 42 points in 72 games, while playing predominantly on a line with the Bruins' top centre, ].<ref name=bounce>{{Cite news|title=Bruins winger Milan Lucic confident he'll bounce back from injury-plagued season|url=http://www.enterprisenews.com/sports/pros/x1220565938/Bruins-winger-Milan-Lucic-confident-he-ll-bounce-back-from-injury-plagued-season#axzz1F8r1HWqJ|accessdate=February 26, 2011|date=September 19, 2010|publisher='']''}}</ref>


Entering the ] with the Bruins as the first seed in the ], Lučić received a one-game suspension after delivering a cross-check to the head of Montreal Canadiens forward ] in Game 2 of the first round. While the Bruins argued that Lučić used predominantly his glove, rather than his stick, the League held its decision.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Bruins' Lučić handed one-game suspension|url=https://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=275707|accessdate=April 20, 2009|date=April 19, 2009|publisher=]}}</ref> After serving his suspension, Lučić and the Bruins went on to eliminate the Canadiens, advancing to the second round against the ], who the Bruins lost to in seven games. Lučić added nine points in ten games in the playoffs. Entering the ] with the Bruins as the first seed in the ], Lucic received a one-game suspension after delivering a cross-check to the head of Montreal Canadiens forward ] in Game 2 of the first round. While the Bruins argued that Lucic used predominantly his glove, rather than his stick, the League held its decision.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Bruins' Lucic handed one-game suspension|url=https://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=275707|accessdate=April 20, 2009|date=April 19, 2009|publisher=]}}</ref> After serving his suspension, Lucic and the Bruins went on to eliminate the Canadiens, advancing to the second round against the ], who the Bruins lost to in seven games. Lucic added nine points in ten games in the playoffs.


With the ] marking the final year of his original entry-level contract, it was announced on October 6, 2009, that Lučić had been signed to a three-year, ]12.25 million contract extension with the Bruins through to the ].<ref name=extension>{{Cite web|title=Bruins sign Lučić to three-year contract|url=http://www.boston.com/sports/hockey/bruins/articles/2009/10/07/bruins_sign_lucic_to_3_year_contract/|accessdate=October 27, 2009|date=October 7, 2009|publisher='']''|author=Shinzawa, Fluto}}</ref> The deal is structured at US$4 million for the first two seasons and US$4.25 million in the third, a raise from his US$685,000 base salary in 2009–10.<ref name=extension/> Ten days later, on October 16, he suffered a broken finger requiring surgery in a game against the Dallas Stars while hitting defenceman ].<ref name=ankle>{{cite web|title=Bruins' Lučić placed on injured reserve|url=http://tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=302468|accessdate=December 15, 2009|date=December 15, 2009|publisher=]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Broken finger KOs Lučić|url=http://www.boston.com/sports/hockey/bruins/articles/2009/10/18/broken_finger_kos_lucic/|accessdate=October 18, 2009|date=October 18, 2009|publisher='']''|author=Shinzawa, Fluto}}</ref> Lučić returned to the Bruins lineup on November 19, but was injured again four games later, suffering a ] in a game against the ] on November 25. His left leg had buckled from underneath him while reaching behind him to receive a pass from teammate ].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Lučić diagnosis: sprained ankle, sidelined a month|url=http://www.boston.com/sports/hockey/bruins/extras/bruins_blog/2009/11/lucic_diagnosis.html|accessdate=December 7, 2009|date=November 27, 2009|publisher='']''|author=Dumont, Kevin Paul}}</ref> Missing an additional 18 games,<ref name=tsn>{{cite web|title=Milan Lučić|url=https://www.tsn.ca/nhl/teams/players/bio/?id=5769|accessdate=April 20, 2010|publisher=]}}</ref> Lučić was limited to 50 contests in his third NHL season. His play was perceived by Head Coach ] to have suffered following the two injuries;<ref name=bounce/> he recorded nine goals and 20 points to finish the regular season. He added nine points in 13 playoff games as the Bruins were eliminated in the second round by the ]. They became the third team in NHL history to lose a playoff series after having led three games to none.<ref name=gameseven>{{cite news|title=Flyers complete historic comeback|url=http://www.thehockeynews.com/articles/33614-Flyers-complete-historic-comeback-rally-to-beat-Bruins-43-in-Game-7.html|accessdate=May 22, 2010|publisher='']''|author=Canadian Press}}</ref> All five goals Lučić scored in the playoffs were recorded in the second round,<ref name=bounce/> including two in the deciding seventh game, which the Bruins lost 4–3.<ref name=gameseven/> With the ] marking the final year of his original entry-level contract, it was announced on October 6, 2009, that Lucic had been signed to a three-year, ]12.25 million contract extension with the Bruins through to the ].<ref name=extension>{{Cite web|title=Bruins sign Lucic to three-year contract|url=http://www.boston.com/sports/hockey/bruins/articles/2009/10/07/bruins_sign_lucic_to_3_year_contract/|accessdate=October 27, 2009|date=October 7, 2009|publisher='']''|author=Shinzawa, Fluto}}</ref> The deal is structured at US$4 million for the first two seasons and US$4.25 million in the third, a raise from his US$685,000 base salary in 2009–10.<ref name=extension/> Ten days later, on October 16, he suffered a broken finger requiring surgery in a game against the Dallas Stars while hitting defenceman ].<ref name=ankle>{{cite web|title=Bruins' Lucic placed on injured reserve|url=http://tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=302468|accessdate=December 15, 2009|date=December 15, 2009|publisher=]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Broken finger KOs Lucic|url=http://www.boston.com/sports/hockey/bruins/articles/2009/10/18/broken_finger_kos_lucic/|accessdate=October 18, 2009|date=October 18, 2009|publisher='']''|author=Shinzawa, Fluto}}</ref> Lucic returned to the Bruins lineup on November 19, but was injured again four games later, suffering a ] in a game against the ] on November 25. His left leg had buckled from underneath him while reaching behind him to receive a pass from teammate ].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Lucic diagnosis: sprained ankle, sidelined a month|url=http://www.boston.com/sports/hockey/bruins/extras/bruins_blog/2009/11/lucic_diagnosis.html|accessdate=December 7, 2009|date=November 27, 2009|publisher='']''|author=Dumont, Kevin Paul}}</ref> Missing an additional 18 games,<ref name=tsn>{{cite web|title=Milan Lucic|url=https://www.tsn.ca/nhl/teams/players/bio/?id=5769|accessdate=April 20, 2010|publisher=]}}</ref> Lucic was limited to 50 contests in his third NHL season. His play was perceived by Head Coach ] to have suffered following the two injuries;<ref name=bounce/> he recorded nine goals and 20 points to finish the regular season. He added nine points in 13 playoff games as the Bruins were eliminated in the second round by the ]. They became the third team in NHL history to lose a playoff series after having led three games to none.<ref name=gameseven>{{cite news|title=Flyers complete historic comeback|url=http://www.thehockeynews.com/articles/33614-Flyers-complete-historic-comeback-rally-to-beat-Bruins-43-in-Game-7.html|accessdate=May 22, 2010|publisher='']''|author=Canadian Press}}</ref> All five goals Lucic scored in the playoffs were recorded in the second round,<ref name=bounce/> including two in the deciding seventh game, which the Bruins lost 4–3.<ref name=gameseven/>


] ]


In the second month of the ], Lučić recorded a ] on November 18, 2010, during a 4–0 win over the ].<ref name=firstnatural>{{cite news|title=Rask and Lučić lead Bruins past Panthers|url=http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2010020269&navid=DL%7cNHL%7chome|accessdate=November 19, 2010|publisher=]}}</ref> Later in the campaign, he was fined $3,500 by the NHL for his actions during a game against Atlanta on December 23. After Lučić was hit by opposing defenceman ], teammate ] engaged Meyer in a fight. In the ensuing scrum, Lučić punched Meyer as the two were being restrained by referees, resulting in a match penalty. Three days following the game, Lučić received a $2,500 fine for his punch and an additional $1,000 for an obscene gesture he had made to players on the Thrashers' bench immediately afterwards.<ref>{{cite news|title=NHL opts not to suspend Bruins forward Milan Lučić for match penalty against Thrashers|url=http://sports.espn.go.com/boston/nhl/news/story?id=5957053|accessdate=February 6, 2011|date=December 26, 2010|publisher=]}}</ref> In January 2011, he missed three games with a shoulder injury.<ref>{{cite news|title=Milan Lučić back from injury|url=http://www.bostonherald.com/sports/hockey/bruins/view.bg?articleid=1310236|accessdate=April 15, 2011|date=January 18, 2011|work=]}}</ref> Lučić completed the season with a career-high 30 goals, 32 assists and 62 points in 79 games. He led the Bruins in goal-scoring while tying for the points lead with centre ].<ref>{{cite web|title=2010–2011 Regular Season Boston Bruins Points Leaders|url=http://www.nhl.com/ice/playerstats.htm?fetchKey=20112BOSSASAll&sort=points&viewName=summary|accessdate=April 15, 2011|publisher=]}}</ref> Entering the ] as the third seed in the East,<ref>{{cite web|title=2010–2011 Regular Season|url=http://www.nhl.com/ice/standings.htm?season=20102011|accessdate=July 22, 2011|publisher=]}}</ref> the Bruins eliminated the Montreal Canadiens, Philadelphia Flyers and ] in the first three rounds, en route to the ] against Vancouver. Although Lučić scored below his regular-season pace during the post-season with 12 points (five goals and seven assists) in 25 games, he helped the Bruins to their first ] since ], as the team defeated the Canucks in Game 7 of the Finals.<ref>{{cite web|title=2010–11 NHL Playoff Results|url=http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/playoffdisplay.php?league=nhl1927&season=2011&leaguenm=NHL|accessdate=July 22, 2011|publisher=Hockeydb.com}}</ref> It was later reported that Lučić was playing through a couple of injuries during the playoffs. During the Eastern Conference Finals, he suffered a broken toe after blocking a shot from teammate ] during practice. He also struggled with a ], which was part of a larger problem in his right nostril that traced back to the end of the 2009–10 season and caused improper breathing. Lučić underwent surgery in the off-season to repair the sinus.<ref>{{cite news|title=Surgeries won't slow Lučić, Rask this season|url=http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=587357|accessdate=December 17, 2011|date=August 25, 2011|publisher=]|author=Kalman, Matt}}</ref> In the second month of the ], Lucic recorded a ] on November 18, 2010, during a 4–0 win over the ].<ref name=firstnatural>{{cite news|title=Rask and Lucic lead Bruins past Panthers|url=http://www.nhl.com/ice/recap.htm?id=2010020269&navid=DL%7cNHL%7chome|accessdate=November 19, 2010|publisher=]}}</ref> Later in the campaign, he was fined $3,500 by the NHL for his actions during a game against Atlanta on December 23. After Lucic was hit by opposing defenceman ], teammate ] engaged Meyer in a fight. In the ensuing scrum, Lucic punched Meyer as the two were being restrained by referees, resulting in a match penalty. Three days following the game, Lucic received a $2,500 fine for his punch and an additional $1,000 for an obscene gesture he had made to players on the Thrashers' bench immediately afterwards.<ref>{{cite news|title=NHL opts not to suspend Bruins forward Milan Lucic for match penalty against Thrashers|url=http://sports.espn.go.com/boston/nhl/news/story?id=5957053|accessdate=February 6, 2011|date=December 26, 2010|publisher=]}}</ref> In January 2011, he missed three games with a shoulder injury.<ref>{{cite news|title=Milan Lucic back from injury|url=http://www.bostonherald.com/sports/hockey/bruins/view.bg?articleid=1310236|accessdate=April 15, 2011|date=January 18, 2011|work=]}}</ref> Lucic completed the season with a career-high 30 goals, 32 assists and 62 points in 79 games. He led the Bruins in goal-scoring while tying for the points lead with centre ].<ref>{{cite web|title=2010–2011 Regular Season Boston Bruins Points Leaders|url=http://www.nhl.com/ice/playerstats.htm?fetchKey=20112BOSSASAll&sort=points&viewName=summary|accessdate=April 15, 2011|publisher=]}}</ref> Entering the ] as the third seed in the East,<ref>{{cite web|title=2010–2011 Regular Season|url=http://www.nhl.com/ice/standings.htm?season=20102011|accessdate=July 22, 2011|publisher=]}}</ref> the Bruins eliminated the Montreal Canadiens, Philadelphia Flyers and ] in the first three rounds, en route to the ] against Vancouver. Although Lucic scored below his regular-season pace during the post-season with 12 points (five goals and seven assists) in 25 games, he helped the Bruins to their first ] since ], as the team defeated the Canucks in Game 7 of the Finals.<ref>{{cite web|title=2010–11 NHL Playoff Results|url=http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/playoffdisplay.php?league=nhl1927&season=2011&leaguenm=NHL|accessdate=July 22, 2011|publisher=Hockeydb.com}}</ref> It was later reported that Lucic was playing through a couple of injuries during the playoffs. During the Eastern Conference Finals, he suffered a broken toe after blocking a shot from teammate ] during practice. He also struggled with a ], which was part of a larger problem in his right nostril that traced back to the end of the 2009–10 season and caused improper breathing. Lucic underwent surgery in the off-season to repair the sinus.<ref>{{cite news|title=Surgeries won't slow Lucic, Rask this season|url=http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=587357|accessdate=December 17, 2011|date=August 25, 2011|publisher=]|author=Kalman, Matt}}</ref>


In August 2011, Lučić had his customary day in possession of the Stanley Cup, which he spent in Vancouver. While it is traditional for players to host public celebrations with the trophy in their hometowns, Lučić chose to keep the day private, explaining that "I grew up a Canucks fan. I know how it is."<ref name=homecoming>{{cite news|title=Lučić brings Cup to Vancouver for a special homecoming|url=http://www.foxnews.com/sports/2011/08/15/lucic-brings-cup-to-vancouver-for-special-homecoming/|accessdate=December 17, 2011|date=August 15, 2011|publisher=]}}</ref> Following the Canucks' defeat in the Finals, fans had staged an hours-long ] in ]. More personally, posters of Lučić at a local cultural community centre were defaced. Also, an appearance by Lučić at a Greek festival in Vancouver sparked a public brawl; '']'' reported that Lučić did not throw any punches.<ref>{{cite news|title=Lučić's day to be private|url=http://www.boston.com/sports/hockey/bruins/articles/2011/08/13/lucics_day_with_the_cup_to_be_private/|accessdate=December 17, 2011|date=August 13, 2011|work=]|author=Hoban, Jim}}</ref> While Lučić's day with the Cup was private, many of his functions were held in public venues, which were reportedly well received by passers-by. He brought the trophy to his hometown church, St. Archangel Michael Serbian Orthodox Church in ], for a gathering of approximately 350 people and on a harbour cruise with friends and family. He finished the day atop ], the same place where he and his Vancouver Giants teammates took the Memorial Cup after their CHL victory in 2007.<ref name=homecoming/> Months later, in February 2012, the church he brought the trophy to was vandalized.<ref>{{cite news|title=Boston Bruins Milan Lučić's church vandalized|url=http://www.vancouversun.com/news/Boston+Bruins+Milan+Lucic+church+vandalized/6166434/story.html|accessdate=July 12, 2012|date=February 16, 2012|work=]|author=Woo, Andrea}}</ref> In August 2011, Lucic had his customary day in possession of the Stanley Cup, which he spent in Vancouver. While it is traditional for players to host public celebrations with the trophy in their hometowns, Lucic chose to keep the day private, explaining that "I grew up a Canucks fan. I know how it is."<ref name=homecoming>{{cite news|title=Lucic brings Cup to Vancouver for a special homecoming|url=http://www.foxnews.com/sports/2011/08/15/lucic-brings-cup-to-vancouver-for-special-homecoming/|accessdate=December 17, 2011|date=August 15, 2011|publisher=]}}</ref> Following the Canucks' defeat in the Finals, fans had staged an hours-long ] in ]. More personally, posters of Lucic at a local cultural community centre were defaced. Also, an appearance by Lucic at a Greek festival in Vancouver sparked a public brawl; '']'' reported that Lucic did not throw any punches.<ref>{{cite news|title=Lucic's day to be private|url=http://www.boston.com/sports/hockey/bruins/articles/2011/08/13/lucics_day_with_the_cup_to_be_private/|accessdate=December 17, 2011|date=August 13, 2011|work=]|author=Hoban, Jim}}</ref> While Lucic's day with the Cup was private, many of his functions were held in public venues, which were reportedly well received by passers-by. He brought the trophy to his hometown church, St. Archangel Michael Serbian Orthodox Church in ], for a gathering of approximately 350 people and on a harbour cruise with friends and family. He finished the day atop ], the same place where he and his Vancouver Giants teammates took the Memorial Cup after their CHL victory in 2007.<ref name=homecoming/> Months later, in February 2012, the church he brought the trophy to was vandalized.<ref>{{cite news|title=Boston Bruins Milan Lucic's church vandalized|url=http://www.vancouversun.com/news/Boston+Bruins+Milan+Lucic+church+vandalized/6166434/story.html|accessdate=July 12, 2012|date=February 16, 2012|work=]|author=Woo, Andrea}}</ref>


A month and a half into the ], Lučić received considerable attention for a hit against opposing goaltender ] during a game against the ]. Miller had come out of his net to play a puck that Lučić last touched midway between the centre line and the Sabres' blue line. As Miller shot the puck towards the end-boards, Lučić collided with him heavily, knocking him to the ice.<ref>{{cite video|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TERA-GY2K1o|title=Milan Lučić hits Ryan Miller Nov 12, 2011|accessdate=Sep 25, 2013}}</ref> Miller was diagnosed with a concussion and was sidelined for several games;{{#tag:ref|Miller later speculated that the injury was more of a neck issue.<ref>{{cite news|title=Ryan Miller says injury from Milan Lučić hit may have been in neck, not concussion|url=http://www.nesn.com/2011/11/ryan-miller-says-injury-may-have-been-in-neck-not-concussion-from-milan-lucic-hit.html|accessdate=December 17, 2011|date=November 28, 2011|publisher=New England Sports Network|author=Hurley, Michael}}</ref>|group=notes}} he also heavily criticized Lučić for his actions and called him a "gutless piece of shit" in post-game comments.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FvE82q4yKEM&feature=player_embedded|title=Inside Hockey- Ryan Miller Interview Bruins Sabres 11/12 (calls Lučić "piece of $#%^")|accessdate=June 24, 2012}}</ref> The day after the hit, the NHL held a hearing with Lučić and later announced that he would not be suspended for the play, citing that the minor penalty for charging that was assessed during the game was sufficient.<ref>{{cite news|title=Bruins' Milan Lučić off the hook from NHL for hit that sidelined Sabres' Ryan Miller |url=http://www.vancouversun.com/sports/Bruins+Milan+Lucic+hook+from+that+sidelined+Sabres+Ryan+Miller/5708465/story.html |accessdate=December 17, 2011 |date=November 14, 2011 |work=] |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20111116215143/http://www.vancouversun.com/sports/Bruins%2BMilan%2BLucic%2Bhook%2Bfrom%2Bthat%2Bsidelined%2BSabres%2BRyan%2BMiller/5708465/story.html |archivedate=November 16, 2011 |df= }}</ref> A few weeks after this incident, he received a one-game suspension for an illegal hit on Philadelphia forward ]. Lučić hit Rinaldo from behind during a battle for the puck along the boards, although he was not seriously injured on the play.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=383119 | title = Bruins Lučić suspended one game for hit on Rinaldo | publisher = The Canadian Press | accessdate =Dec 19, 2011 | date = Dec 19, 2011 }}</ref> A short time into the ], Lučić scored his first-ever NHL overtime goal to break a 2–2 tie game at home against the visiting ].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://bruins.nhl.com/club/blogpost.htm?id=22748 |title=Home Cookin' Helps Bruins Find Their Way |last=Switaj |first=Caryn |date=November 14, 2013 |website=bruins.nhl.com |publisher=Boston Bruins |accessdate=November 13, 2013}}</ref> A month and a half into the ], Lucic received considerable attention for a hit against opposing goaltender ] during a game against the ]. Miller had come out of his net to play a puck that Lucic last touched midway between the centre line and the Sabres' blue line. As Miller shot the puck towards the end-boards, Lucic collided with him heavily, knocking him to the ice.<ref>{{cite video|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TERA-GY2K1o|title=Milan Lucic hits Ryan Miller Nov 12, 2011|accessdate=Sep 25, 2013}}</ref> Miller was diagnosed with a concussion and was sidelined for several games;{{#tag:ref|Miller later speculated that the injury was more of a neck issue.<ref>{{cite news|title=Ryan Miller says injury from Milan Lucic hit may have been in neck, not concussion|url=http://www.nesn.com/2011/11/ryan-miller-says-injury-may-have-been-in-neck-not-concussion-from-milan-lucic-hit.html|accessdate=December 17, 2011|date=November 28, 2011|publisher=New England Sports Network|author=Hurley, Michael}}</ref>|group=notes}} he also heavily criticized Lucic for his actions and called him a "gutless piece of shit" in post-game comments.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FvE82q4yKEM&feature=player_embedded|title=Inside Hockey- Ryan Miller Interview Bruins Sabres 11/12 (calls Lucic "piece of $#%^")|accessdate=June 24, 2012}}</ref> The day after the hit, the NHL held a hearing with Lucic and later announced that he would not be suspended for the play, citing that the minor penalty for charging that was assessed during the game was sufficient.<ref>{{cite news|title=Bruins' Milan Lucic off the hook from NHL for hit that sidelined Sabres' Ryan Miller |url=http://www.vancouversun.com/sports/Bruins+Milan+Lucic+hook+from+that+sidelined+Sabres+Ryan+Miller/5708465/story.html |accessdate=December 17, 2011 |date=November 14, 2011 |work=] |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20111116215143/http://www.vancouversun.com/sports/Bruins%2BMilan%2BLucic%2Bhook%2Bfrom%2Bthat%2Bsidelined%2BSabres%2BRyan%2BMiller/5708465/story.html |archivedate=November 16, 2011 |df= }}</ref> A few weeks after this incident, he received a one-game suspension for an illegal hit on Philadelphia forward ]. Lucic hit Rinaldo from behind during a battle for the puck along the boards, although he was not seriously injured on the play.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=383119 | title = Bruins Lucic suspended one game for hit on Rinaldo | publisher = The Canadian Press | accessdate =Dec 19, 2011 | date = Dec 19, 2011 }}</ref> A short time into the ], Lucic scored his first-ever NHL overtime goal to break a 2–2 tie game at home against the visiting ].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://bruins.nhl.com/club/blogpost.htm?id=22748 |title=Home Cookin' Helps Bruins Find Their Way |last=Switaj |first=Caryn |date=November 14, 2013 |website=bruins.nhl.com |publisher=Boston Bruins |accessdate=November 13, 2013}}</ref>


====Los Angeles Kings==== ====Los Angeles Kings====
On June 26, 2015, Lučić was traded to the Los Angeles Kings in exchange for goaltender ], ] and the 13th overall pick (]) in the ].<ref name="trade to kings">{{cite web|title=Bruins deal Lučić to Kings|url=https://www.tsn.ca/bruins-deal-lucic-to-kings-1.318890|publisher='']'' |accessdate=26 June 2015|date=26 June 2015}}</ref> Lučić excelled during his season with the Kings, playing a strong 2-way game while posting 20 goals, 35 assists for 55 points during the regular season. Lučić also added 3 assists in 5 games in the NHL Playoffs. On June 26, 2015, Lucic was traded to the Los Angeles Kings in exchange for goaltender ], ] and the 13th overall pick (]) in the ].<ref name="trade to kings">{{cite web|title=Bruins deal Lucic to Kings|url=https://www.tsn.ca/bruins-deal-lucic-to-kings-1.318890|publisher='']'' |accessdate=26 June 2015|date=26 June 2015}}</ref> Lucic excelled during his season with the Kings, playing a strong 2-way game while posting 20 goals, 35 assists for 55 points during the regular season. Lucic also added 3 assists in 5 games in the NHL Playoffs.


====Edmonton Oilers==== ====Edmonton Oilers====
As an unrestricted free agent, on the opening day of free agency, Lučić agreed to a 7-year $42 million contract with the Edmonton Oilers on July 1, 2016.<ref>{{cite web| url = http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/milan-lucic-signs-7-year-deal-edmonton-oilers/ | title = Milan Lučić signs 7-year deal with the Edmonton Oilers | publisher = '']'' | date = 2016-07-01 | accessdate = 2016-07-01}}</ref> Lučić wears #27, as #17 was retired by the Oilers.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Matheson|first1=Jim|title=Milan Lučić selects number with tough Edmonton Oilers history|url=http://edmontonjournal.com/sports/hockey/nhl/edmonton-oilers/milan-lucic-elected-right-number-with-tough-history|publisher=Edmonton Journal|accessdate=4 July 2016|date=2 July 2016}}</ref> On November 26, 2017 at a game against his former team, the Boston Bruins, Lučić was moved to the first line, along with ]. As an unrestricted free agent, on the opening day of free agency, Lucic agreed to a 7-year $42 million contract with the Edmonton Oilers on July 1, 2016.<ref>{{cite web| url = http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/milan-lucic-signs-7-year-deal-edmonton-oilers/ | title = Milan Lucic signs 7-year deal with the Edmonton Oilers | publisher = '']'' | date = 2016-07-01 | accessdate = 2016-07-01}}</ref> Lucic wears #27, as #17 was retired by the Oilers.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Matheson|first1=Jim|title=Milan Lucic selects number with tough Edmonton Oilers history|url=http://edmontonjournal.com/sports/hockey/nhl/edmonton-oilers/milan-lucic-elected-right-number-with-tough-history|publisher=Edmonton Journal|accessdate=4 July 2016|date=2 July 2016}}</ref> On November 26, 2017 at a game against his former team, the Boston Bruins, Lucic was moved to the first line, along with ].


==International play== ==International play==
In the off-season following Lučić's ] performance at the ], he was named ] of ] for the ] against Russia.<ref>{{cite web|title=Canada names Lučić captain for Super Series|url=http://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/story/2007/08/25/canada-lucic-captain.html|accessdate=July 21, 2008|date=August 25, 2007|publisher=CBC Sports}}</ref> The series, an eight-game competition between Canada and Russia's under-20 teams, commemorated the 35th anniversary of the historic ].<ref name=super>{{cite web|title=Canada completes Canada/Russia Super Series with undefeated record|url=http://hockeycanada.ca/index.php/ci_id/16980/la_id/1/ss_id/24821/nr_id/25532.htm|accessdate=January 9, 2010|date=September 9, 2007|publisher=]}}</ref> He recorded three assists as Canada won the series with seven wins and a tie.<ref name=super/> In the off-season following Lucic's ] performance at the ], he was named ] of ] for the ] against Russia.<ref>{{cite web|title=Canada names Lucic captain for Super Series|url=http://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/story/2007/08/25/canada-lucic-captain.html|accessdate=July 21, 2008|date=August 25, 2007|publisher=CBC Sports}}</ref> The series, an eight-game competition between Canada and Russia's under-20 teams, commemorated the 35th anniversary of the historic ].<ref name=super>{{cite web|title=Canada completes Canada/Russia Super Series with undefeated record|url=http://hockeycanada.ca/index.php/ci_id/16980/la_id/1/ss_id/24821/nr_id/25532.htm|accessdate=January 9, 2010|date=September 9, 2007|publisher=]}}</ref> He recorded three assists as Canada won the series with seven wins and a tie.<ref name=super/>


Two years later, Lučić was invited to ]'s summer orientation camp in ] for the ].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Lučić a longshot for Olympic team at Canada's camp |url=http://www.ctvolympics.ca/news-centre/newsid=14537.html |accessdate=January 9, 2010 |date=August 24, 2009 |publisher=] |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090828031019/http://www.ctvolympics.ca/news-centre/newsid%3D14537.html |archivedate=August 28, 2009 |df= }}</ref> He was not, however, chosen to the final roster. Lučić was also invited to the orientation camp for the ], but again did not make the final roster. Two years later, Lucic was invited to ]'s summer orientation camp in ] for the ].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Lucic a longshot for Olympic team at Canada's camp |url=http://www.ctvolympics.ca/news-centre/newsid=14537.html |accessdate=January 9, 2010 |date=August 24, 2009 |publisher=] |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090828031019/http://www.ctvolympics.ca/news-centre/newsid%3D14537.html |archivedate=August 28, 2009 |df= }}</ref> He was not, however, chosen to the final roster. Lucic was also invited to the orientation camp for the ], but again did not make the final roster.


==Personal life== ==Personal life==
Lučić married his longtime girlfriend Brittany Carnegie in the summer of 2012. The couple has two daughters: Valentina and Nikolina. Lucic married his longtime girlfriend Brittany Carnegie in the summer of 2012. The couple has two daughters: Valentina and Nikolina.


==Career statistics== ==Career statistics==
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Revision as of 22:59, 1 February 2018

This article is about the Canadian ice hockey player. For the Serbian war criminal, see Milan Lukić.

Ice hockey player
Milan Lucic
Lucic during his time with the Bruins
Born (1988-06-07) June 7, 1988 (age 36)
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Height 6 ft 4 in (193 cm)
Weight 235 lb (107 kg; 16 st 11 lb)
Position Left Wing
Shoots Left
NHL team
Former teams
Edmonton Oilers
Boston Bruins
Los Angeles Kings
National team  Canada
NHL draft 50th overall, 2006
Boston Bruins
Playing career 2007–present

Milan Lucic (Template:IPA-sh; born June 7, 1988) is a Canadian professional ice hockey left winger and an alternate captain for the Edmonton Oilers of the National Hockey League (NHL). He played major junior hockey with the Vancouver Giants in the Western Hockey League (WHL) for three seasons and captured a Memorial Cup, while being named tournament MVP in 2007. He was selected 50th overall in the 2006 NHL Entry Draft and made the Boston Bruins' roster as a 19-year-old in 2007–08. Three years later, he won a Stanley Cup with the Bruins. He spent the first eight seasons of his NHL career with Boston prior to joining Los Angeles in June 2015.

Internationally, he captained the Canadian national junior team at the 2007 Super Series. Lucic plays physically in the style of a power forward.

Early life

Lucic was born in East Vancouver to Serbian couple Dobrivoje "Dobro" Lučić and Snežana Kesa. His father, a longshoreman, emigrated from Yugoslavia (now Bosnia and Herzegovina) when he was 27, while his mother arrived from Yugoslavia (now Croatia) with her family at the age of two. He has a younger brother named Nikola and an older brother named Jovan. His maternal uncle, Dan Kesa, is a retired NHL right winger who played for the Vancouver Canucks, Pittsburgh Penguins, Tampa Bay Lightning, and Dallas Stars.

Growing up, Lucic attended Killarney Secondary in Vancouver. He was a fan of the hometown Vancouver Canucks and has singled out power forward Todd Bertuzzi as one of his favourite players when following the team. At the age of 15, he was diagnosed with Scheuermann's disease, a condition that can cause the upper back to curve and has given Lucic a hunched-over posture.

Lucic played minor hockey (VMHA) in Vancouver, but nearly quit the sport after being passed up in the 2003 WHL Bantam Draft. He was invited to play for the Coquitlam Express of the Junior A British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL), but was further demoralized when he initially failed to make the team out of rookie camp. He agreed to play, instead, for the Junior B Delta Ice Hawks, but later played his way onto the Express after five games.

Playing career

Amateur

Lucic began his junior career with the Coquitlam Express of the BCHL in 2004–05. In the same season, he made his major junior debut with the Vancouver Giants, his hometown Western Hockey League (WHL) team, playing in one regular-season game and two playoff games. He joined the Giants full-time in 2005–06, scoring 19 points in 62 games. He added seven points in 18 playoff games to help the Giants to a WHL title and an appearance in the 2006 Memorial Cup. In the off-season, he was selected 50th overall by the Boston Bruins in the second round of the 2006 NHL Entry Draft. Bruins management had considered taking Lucic earlier in the second round with the 37th overall pick, but chose defenceman Yuri Alexandrov instead. Bruins Director of Scouting Scott Bradley admitted he did not expect Lucic to still be available with the 50th pick, adding, "We were fortunate to get him."

Lucic's banner in the Giants' Ring of Honour

The following season, in 2006–07, Lucic emerged as one of the Giants' leaders, finishing first in team scoring with 68 points in 70 games. He added 19 points in 22 post-season games as the Giants lost the WHL Finals to the Medicine Hat Tigers in seven games. Despite losing the WHL title, Vancouver appeared in the 2007 Memorial Cup as tournament hosts. Lucic and the Giants met Medicine Hat once more in the tournament final, capturing the Canadian Hockey League (CHL) title by a 3–1 score. Lucic assisted on Michal Řepík's tournament-winning goal with five minutes to play in regulation. He finished the tournament tied for the lead in scoring with Řepík (with more goals, Řepík was awarded the Ed Chynoweth Trophy as leading scorer) and earned the Stafford Smythe Memorial Trophy as tournament MVP.

Nearly four years after his last junior game, Lucic was honoured by the Giants prior to a game against the Chilliwack Bruins on February 25, 2011. Dubbed "Milan Lucic Night," he was added to the club's Ring of Honour, showcasing the top Giants alumni of all-time. The first 500 game-attendees were also given free Lucic bobblehead dolls. As part of the team's ten-year anniversary, he was also voted by fans as the team's best player of all-time.

A frontal view of a hockey player in his early twenties, cut off at the thighs, during a hockey game. He is wearing a black and yellow jersey with a logo containing a capitalized "B". The number "17" is visible on his jersey's left sleeve. He is looking downwards with an intent expression on his face.
Lucic during his rookie season with the Bruins in 2007–08

Professional

Boston Bruins

In the 2007 off-season, Lucic signed an entry-level contract with the Bruins on August 2. He had been chosen as the Giants' next team captain, but made the Bruins' 2007–08 opening roster out of training camp. He played in his first career NHL game on October 5, 2007, a 4–1 loss to the Dallas Stars, in which he fought opposing forward Brad Winchester. His first goal came a week later on October 12 against Jonathan Bernier, a game winner, in an 8–6 win against the Los Angeles Kings. By also fighting Kings forward Raitis Ivanāns and notching an assist, he recorded a Gordie Howe hat trick (an unofficial statistic constituting a goal, an assist and a fight in one game). Unsure of whether the Bruins would keep him or return him to junior, he stayed in a downtown hotel in Boston to start the season. However, Lucic made enough of an impression during his first set of games with the Bruins, showing grit and consistent willingness to fight (he recorded 13 fighting majors in his rookie season), that they decided to keep him in the lineup. Bruins management informed the Giants prior to Lucic's tenth game, accounting for the NHL's nine-game maximum for junior-eligible players to stay with their NHL club without initiating their contract. He was chosen to participate in the 2008 NHL YoungStars Game and finished his rookie campaign with eight goals and 27 points. Towards the end of the season, he was voted by Bruins fans for the team's Seventh Player Award for exceeding expectations. Matched up against the first-seeded Montreal Canadiens in the opening round, Lucic scored his first Stanley Cup playoff goal in Game 3 on April 13, 2008. He finished his first NHL post-season with two goals as the Bruins were eliminated by the Canadiens in seven games.

Early into the 2008–09 season, Lucic recorded his first career NHL hat-trick and added an assist in a 5–4 win against the Atlanta Thrashers on October 25, 2008. Later that week, Lucic made a much-publicized return to his hometown in a game against the Vancouver Canucks, which featured a picture of him as a baby on the back page of Vancouver's The Province newspaper. Earlier in the year, Lucic's 2007 Memorial Cup ring had been stolen from his home in East Vancouver on July 10, 2008. In a private ceremony before the game against the Canucks, he was presented a replacement ring by Vancouver Giants ownership.

Lucic was chosen to his second YoungStars Game in January 2009. However, he did not compete for the sophomores in Montreal due to an undisclosed upper-body injury. Near the end of the season, on April 4, 2009, Lucic was awarded the Bruins' Eddie Shore Award for hustle and determination. He finished his second NHL season improving to 17 goals and 42 points in 72 games, while playing predominantly on a line with the Bruins' top centre, Marc Savard.

Entering the 2009 playoffs with the Bruins as the first seed in the Eastern Conference, Lucic received a one-game suspension after delivering a cross-check to the head of Montreal Canadiens forward Maxim Lapierre in Game 2 of the first round. While the Bruins argued that Lucic used predominantly his glove, rather than his stick, the League held its decision. After serving his suspension, Lucic and the Bruins went on to eliminate the Canadiens, advancing to the second round against the Carolina Hurricanes, who the Bruins lost to in seven games. Lucic added nine points in ten games in the playoffs.

With the 2009–10 season marking the final year of his original entry-level contract, it was announced on October 6, 2009, that Lucic had been signed to a three-year, US$12.25 million contract extension with the Bruins through to the 2012–13 season. The deal is structured at US$4 million for the first two seasons and US$4.25 million in the third, a raise from his US$685,000 base salary in 2009–10. Ten days later, on October 16, he suffered a broken finger requiring surgery in a game against the Dallas Stars while hitting defenceman Stéphane Robidas. Lucic returned to the Bruins lineup on November 19, but was injured again four games later, suffering a sprained ankle in a game against the Minnesota Wild on November 25. His left leg had buckled from underneath him while reaching behind him to receive a pass from teammate Dennis Wideman. Missing an additional 18 games, Lucic was limited to 50 contests in his third NHL season. His play was perceived by Head Coach Claude Julien to have suffered following the two injuries; he recorded nine goals and 20 points to finish the regular season. He added nine points in 13 playoff games as the Bruins were eliminated in the second round by the Philadelphia Flyers. They became the third team in NHL history to lose a playoff series after having led three games to none. All five goals Lucic scored in the playoffs were recorded in the second round, including two in the deciding seventh game, which the Bruins lost 4–3.

Lucic celebrates with the Stanley Cup following the Bruins' Game 7 win against the Vancouver Canucks.

In the second month of the 2010–11 season, Lucic recorded a natural hat-trick on November 18, 2010, during a 4–0 win over the Florida Panthers. Later in the campaign, he was fined $3,500 by the NHL for his actions during a game against Atlanta on December 23. After Lucic was hit by opposing defenceman Freddy Meyer, teammate Andrew Ference engaged Meyer in a fight. In the ensuing scrum, Lucic punched Meyer as the two were being restrained by referees, resulting in a match penalty. Three days following the game, Lucic received a $2,500 fine for his punch and an additional $1,000 for an obscene gesture he had made to players on the Thrashers' bench immediately afterwards. In January 2011, he missed three games with a shoulder injury. Lucic completed the season with a career-high 30 goals, 32 assists and 62 points in 79 games. He led the Bruins in goal-scoring while tying for the points lead with centre David Krejčí. Entering the 2011 playoffs as the third seed in the East, the Bruins eliminated the Montreal Canadiens, Philadelphia Flyers and Tampa Bay Lightning in the first three rounds, en route to the Stanley Cup Finals against Vancouver. Although Lucic scored below his regular-season pace during the post-season with 12 points (five goals and seven assists) in 25 games, he helped the Bruins to their first Stanley Cup since 1972, as the team defeated the Canucks in Game 7 of the Finals. It was later reported that Lucic was playing through a couple of injuries during the playoffs. During the Eastern Conference Finals, he suffered a broken toe after blocking a shot from teammate Tyler Seguin during practice. He also struggled with a sinus infection, which was part of a larger problem in his right nostril that traced back to the end of the 2009–10 season and caused improper breathing. Lucic underwent surgery in the off-season to repair the sinus.

In August 2011, Lucic had his customary day in possession of the Stanley Cup, which he spent in Vancouver. While it is traditional for players to host public celebrations with the trophy in their hometowns, Lucic chose to keep the day private, explaining that "I grew up a Canucks fan. I know how it is." Following the Canucks' defeat in the Finals, fans had staged an hours-long riot in Downtown Vancouver. More personally, posters of Lucic at a local cultural community centre were defaced. Also, an appearance by Lucic at a Greek festival in Vancouver sparked a public brawl; The Vancouver Sun reported that Lucic did not throw any punches. While Lucic's day with the Cup was private, many of his functions were held in public venues, which were reportedly well received by passers-by. He brought the trophy to his hometown church, St. Archangel Michael Serbian Orthodox Church in Burnaby, for a gathering of approximately 350 people and on a harbour cruise with friends and family. He finished the day atop Grouse Mountain, the same place where he and his Vancouver Giants teammates took the Memorial Cup after their CHL victory in 2007. Months later, in February 2012, the church he brought the trophy to was vandalized.

A month and a half into the 2011–12 season, Lucic received considerable attention for a hit against opposing goaltender Ryan Miller during a game against the Buffalo Sabres. Miller had come out of his net to play a puck that Lucic last touched midway between the centre line and the Sabres' blue line. As Miller shot the puck towards the end-boards, Lucic collided with him heavily, knocking him to the ice. Miller was diagnosed with a concussion and was sidelined for several games; he also heavily criticized Lucic for his actions and called him a "gutless piece of shit" in post-game comments. The day after the hit, the NHL held a hearing with Lucic and later announced that he would not be suspended for the play, citing that the minor penalty for charging that was assessed during the game was sufficient. A few weeks after this incident, he received a one-game suspension for an illegal hit on Philadelphia forward Zac Rinaldo. Lucic hit Rinaldo from behind during a battle for the puck along the boards, although he was not seriously injured on the play. A short time into the 2013–14 season, Lucic scored his first-ever NHL overtime goal to break a 2–2 tie game at home against the visiting Columbus Blue Jackets.

Los Angeles Kings

On June 26, 2015, Lucic was traded to the Los Angeles Kings in exchange for goaltender Martin Jones, Colin Miller and the 13th overall pick (Jakub Zboril) in the 2015 NHL Entry Draft. Lucic excelled during his season with the Kings, playing a strong 2-way game while posting 20 goals, 35 assists for 55 points during the regular season. Lucic also added 3 assists in 5 games in the NHL Playoffs.

Edmonton Oilers

As an unrestricted free agent, on the opening day of free agency, Lucic agreed to a 7-year $42 million contract with the Edmonton Oilers on July 1, 2016. Lucic wears #27, as #17 was retired by the Oilers. On November 26, 2017 at a game against his former team, the Boston Bruins, Lucic was moved to the first line, along with Michael Cammalleri.

International play

In the off-season following Lucic's MVP performance at the 2007 Memorial Cup, he was named team captain of Canada for the 2007 Super Series against Russia. The series, an eight-game competition between Canada and Russia's under-20 teams, commemorated the 35th anniversary of the historic 1972 Summit Series. He recorded three assists as Canada won the series with seven wins and a tie.

Two years later, Lucic was invited to Canada's summer orientation camp in Calgary for the 2010 Winter Olympics. He was not, however, chosen to the final roster. Lucic was also invited to the orientation camp for the 2014 Winter Olympics, but again did not make the final roster.

Personal life

Lucic married his longtime girlfriend Brittany Carnegie in the summer of 2012. The couple has two daughters: Valentina and Nikolina.

Career statistics

Regular season and playoffs

    Regular season   Playoffs
Season Team League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM
2004–05 Coquitlam Express BCHL 50 9 14 23 101
2004–05 Vancouver Giants WHL 1 0 0 0 2 2 0 0 0 0
2005–06 Vancouver Giants WHL 62 9 10 19 149 18 3 4 7 23
2006–07 Vancouver Giants WHL 70 30 38 68 147 22 7 12 19 26
2007–08 Boston Bruins NHL 77 8 19 27 89 7 2 0 2 4
2008–09 Boston Bruins NHL 72 17 25 42 136 10 3 6 9 43
2009–10 Boston Bruins NHL 50 9 11 20 44 13 5 4 9 19
2010–11 Boston Bruins NHL 79 30 32 62 121 25 5 7 12 63
2011–12 Boston Bruins NHL 81 26 35 61 135 7 0 3 3 8
2012–13 Boston Bruins NHL 46 7 20 27 75 22 7 12 19 14
2013–14 Boston Bruins NHL 80 24 35 59 91 12 4 3 7 4
2014–15 Boston Bruins NHL 81 18 26 44 81
2015–16 Los Angeles Kings NHL 81 20 35 55 79 5 0 3 3 4
2016–17 Edmonton Oilers NHL 82 23 27 50 50 13 2 4 6 20
NHL totals 729 182 265 447 901 114 28 42 70 179

International statistics

Year Team Event Result   GP G A Pts PIM
2007 Canada SS 1st place, gold medalist(s) 8 0 3 3 16
Junior totals 8 0 3 3 16

Awards

Major junior

Award Year(s)
President's Cup (Vancouver Giants) 2006
Memorial Cup (Vancouver Giants) 2007
Stafford Smythe Memorial Trophy 2007
Memorial Cup All-Star Team 2007

NHL

Award Year(s)
NHL YoungStars Game 2008, 2009*
Stanley Cup champion 2011

*Did not play due to injury

Boston Bruins

Award Year(s)
Seventh Player Award 2008
Eddie Shore Award 2009, 2015

Notes

  1. Miller later speculated that the injury was more of a neck issue.

References

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External links

Awards and achievements
Preceded byAlexander Radulov Winner of the Stafford Smythe Memorial Trophy
2007
Succeeded byDustin Tokarski

Categories: