New Jersey Devils say Milan Lucic rumor 'categorically untrue'

An erroneous report surfaced on social media Wednesday night, claiming that the New Jersey Devils had signed former Boston Bruins forward Milan Lucic to a professional tryout offer.

The Devils told the media that the rumor is "Categorically untrue. His situation lies with the league. We haven't and couldn't sign him to a PTO," and added that Edmonton Oilers broadcaster Bob Stauffer, who started the rumor with his comments on the Oilers NOW podcast, later corrected himself.

"We wish him the best of luck in his PTO that's coming up with the New Jersey Devils," Stauffer said of Lucic.

Devils fans may recall that Lucic, 36, was spotted training in Newark, New Jersey, earlier in the offseason, though any rumors of a potential signing were debunked the same day. The former Stanley Cup champion was simply training in town.

A longtime member of the Bruins, Lucic started his NHL career in Boston, playing there for eight seasons before stints with the Los Angeles Kings, Oilers, and Calgary Flames. Lucic returned to Boston for the 2023-24 season, recording two assists in four games before being arrested on suspicion of domestic violence on Nov. 21, 2023, after his wife called 911 on him.

Lucic allegedly pulled his wife's hair and attempted to choke her in a drunken, angry fit, and later pleaded not guilty to charges of assault and battery on a family member. Lucic was released on personal recognizance after being ordered to refrain from drinking and abusing his wife.

The charges against Lucic were dropped on Feb. 16, but he did not play again in the 2023-24 season after being granted an indefinite leave of absence. And, by all accounts, Lucic would first need to be cleared by the NHL to play before the Devils could even consider bringing him in to the organization.