"Lucic, Perry, E-Kane on the same team would be gold": Fans react to Milan Lucic reportedly hopeful of making NHL return

Milan Lucic's potential NHL comeback has sparked a flurry of reactions from hockey fans, with many expressing mixed feelings about the controversial player's return to the ice.

The news, reported by NHL Insider Frank Seravalli, suggested that Lucic has been training in New Jersey this summer, hoping to revive his professional career.

However, Lucic's path back to the NHL is complicated by his legal troubles. Last November, he got arrested in Boston for alleged assault and battery. The charges were eventually dismissed as his wife chose not to testify.

This incident resulted in him taking a break from the Boston Bruins and joining the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance program afterward.

Here are some of the reactions to the news from fans on X/Twitter:

One comment in particular stood out:

"Lucic, Perry, E-Kane on the same team would be gold."

The comment highlighted the controversies surrounding not just Lucic, but also Corey Perry and Evander Kane. Perry's contract with the Chicago Blackhawks was terminated last November for "unacceptable" conduct, while Edmonton Oilers' Kane has faced allegations of domestic violence, sexual assault and gambling issues.

Another fan commented:

"Im sure Bettman will reinstate him whenever the next big news drops in the NHL so it goes unnoticed."

Here are some more fan reactions to Milan Lucic's potential NHL return:

"We’re all only human and all deserve a second chance!" one fan said.

"Previous issues? The obvious destination is the Oilers again," another fan wrote.

"Doesn’t look good on Lucic, big and slow. Time to retire," one fan added.

"He has no business in the NHL or AHL. If he wants to continue his career let him go overseas," another fan commented.

Milan Lucic's return to depend upon NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman

Despite the charges being dropped, Lucic's return to the league isn't guaranteed. NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman would need to clear him to play, even though he hasn't been formally suspended.

Lucic started his NHL career with the Bruins during the 2007-08 campaign. He spent eight seasons with the team, playing a key role in their 2011 Stanley Cup victory.

Before the start of the 2015-16 season, he was traded to the Los Angeles Kings. He then spent eight years playing for both the Oilers and Calgary Flames. On July 1, 2023, Lucic returned to the Bruins after signing a one-year contract.

What do you think of Milan Lucic's potential NHL return? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.