Milan Lucic Pulls Up with Groin Injury; Availability for Upcoming Blues Practice in Doubt

St. Louis Blues Training Camp Update

The St. Louis Blues are facing a potential setback as Milan Lucic, who is attending training camp on a professional tryout (PTO), had to leave practice early today due to a groin injury. According to Jeremy Rutherford, his participation in tomorrow’s session remains uncertain, with a likelihood estimated at 50/50.

Milan Lucic’s Performance and Background

Lucic, a veteran player at 37 years old, showcased his skills in the Blues’ recent pre-season matchup against the Columbus Blue Jackets, where he logged 15 minutes and 26 seconds on the ice. During that game, he made his presence felt with an assist and two hits. His arrival in St. Louis was intended to enhance the team with his physical attributes, standing tall at 6 feet 3 inches and weighing 236 pounds.

Despite his extensive NHL resume, which includes 233 goals and 586 points over a 1,177-game career, Lucic has not been very active in recent seasons. He played only a handful of games—four in total—with the Boston Bruins during the 2023-24 season. The Blues have various players vying for roles in their bottom six, yet none bring the unique combination of skill and toughness that Lucic offers.

Future Prospects

While Lucic’s future with the Blues is not yet confirmed, GM Doug Armstrong has expressed a willingness to consider players looking for a fresh start. If Lucic can recover from his injury and impress the coaching staff, there’s a possibility he could secure a spot on the team, continuing the franchise’s trend of giving players opportunities for redemption.

This development highlights a recurring theme for the Blues under Armstrong’s management, where the focus is often on harnessing talent with an eye on future potential.