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Milan Lucic Announces Retirement After 17 NHL Seasons
Milan Lucic, the former Boston Bruins left‑winger, announced his retirement from professional hockey on Sunday, June 7 2026, ending a 17‑season career that spanned four NHL franchises and a Stanley Cup victory. The 38‑year‑old, who last appeared in four games for the Bruins during the 2023‑24 season, issued a statement through the NHL Players’ Association that expressed gratitude for his career and the support he received.
Lucic’s career began when he was selected 50th overall in the 2006 NHL Entry Draft by the Bruins. He made his NHL debut in the 2007‑08 season and quickly became known for his physical play and gritty style. Three seasons after joining the league, he helped Boston capture the Stanley Cup in 2011, a championship that remains a highlight of his career. Over the course of his NHL tenure, Lucic played 1,177 regular‑season games, scoring 233 goals and adding 353 assists for 586 points.
After eight seasons with Boston, Lucic was traded to the Los Angeles Kings in June 2015. He spent one season in Los Angeles before signing as a free agent with the Edmonton Oilers in July 2016. He played three seasons for Edmonton, then was traded to the Calgary Flames in July 2019. In 2023, Lucic returned to Boston on a one‑year, $1 million contract, but his time with the Bruins was brief; he recorded an assist in a 4‑2 win over the Los Angeles Kings on October 11, 2023, and did not appear in any further games.
In his retirement statement, Lucic said, “Looking back on my career, I feel truly grateful to have fulfilled my dream of playing professional hockey, culminating with a Stanley Cup win in 2011 with the Boston Bruins.” He added, “I want to especially thank the Bruins for giving me my start in professional hockey and for instilling the confidence to reach new heights as a player.” The statement also thanked coaches, staff, fans, his agent Gerry Johannson, and his family, including his wife Brittany and their three children.
Lucic’s decision comes at a time when the NHL is seeing a wave of veteran retirements. His departure leaves the Bruins without a veteran power forward, a role that has been filled by younger players in recent seasons. The league’s schedule for the 2026‑27 season will proceed without Lucic, and the Bruins will continue to build around their current core.
While Lucic’s on‑ice contributions were often measured by his physical presence rather than point totals, his 586 career points reflect a consistent offensive output over a long career. His 233 goals rank him among the more productive power forwards of his era, and his 353 assists demonstrate his ability to contribute to team play.
The announcement was made public by the NHL Players’ Association on Sunday morning, the same day Lucic celebrated his 38th birthday. The statement was issued through official channels and was corroborated by reports from the NHL and the Bruins organization. No further details regarding Lucic’s post‑retirement plans were released.
Lucic’s retirement marks the end of a career that began with a memorable 2007‑08 rookie season, a Stanley Cup championship, and a series of roles with four NHL teams. His legacy includes a reputation as a hard‑hitting forward who could also deliver offensively when needed. The Bruins and the NHL will remember him for his contributions on the ice and his professionalism throughout his career.
As the league moves forward, Lucic’s retirement underscores the natural cycle of player careers and the ongoing evolution of team rosters. The Bruins will look to their remaining roster and upcoming draft picks to fill the void left by Lucic’s departure, while the NHL continues to celebrate the achievements of players who have left a lasting impact on the sport.
Lucic’s career began when he was selected 50th overall in the 2006 NHL Entry Draft by the Bruins. He made his NHL debut in the 2007‑08 season and quickly became known for his physical play and gritty style. Three seasons after joining the league, he helped Boston capture the Stanley Cup in 2011, a championship that remains a highlight of his career. Over the course of his NHL tenure, Lucic played 1,177 regular‑season games, scoring 233 goals and adding 353 assists for 586 points.
After eight seasons with Boston, Lucic was traded to the Los Angeles Kings in June 2015. He spent one season in Los Angeles before signing as a free agent with the Edmonton Oilers in July 2016. He played three seasons for Edmonton, then was traded to the Calgary Flames in July 2019. In 2023, Lucic returned to Boston on a one‑year, $1 million contract, but his time with the Bruins was brief; he recorded an assist in a 4‑2 win over the Los Angeles Kings on October 11, 2023, and did not appear in any further games.
In his retirement statement, Lucic said, “Looking back on my career, I feel truly grateful to have fulfilled my dream of playing professional hockey, culminating with a Stanley Cup win in 2011 with the Boston Bruins.” He added, “I want to especially thank the Bruins for giving me my start in professional hockey and for instilling the confidence to reach new heights as a player.” The statement also thanked coaches, staff, fans, his agent Gerry Johannson, and his family, including his wife Brittany and their three children.
Lucic’s decision comes at a time when the NHL is seeing a wave of veteran retirements. His departure leaves the Bruins without a veteran power forward, a role that has been filled by younger players in recent seasons. The league’s schedule for the 2026‑27 season will proceed without Lucic, and the Bruins will continue to build around their current core.
While Lucic’s on‑ice contributions were often measured by his physical presence rather than point totals, his 586 career points reflect a consistent offensive output over a long career. His 233 goals rank him among the more productive power forwards of his era, and his 353 assists demonstrate his ability to contribute to team play.
The announcement was made public by the NHL Players’ Association on Sunday morning, the same day Lucic celebrated his 38th birthday. The statement was issued through official channels and was corroborated by reports from the NHL and the Bruins organization. No further details regarding Lucic’s post‑retirement plans were released.
Lucic’s retirement marks the end of a career that began with a memorable 2007‑08 rookie season, a Stanley Cup championship, and a series of roles with four NHL teams. His legacy includes a reputation as a hard‑hitting forward who could also deliver offensively when needed. The Bruins and the NHL will remember him for his contributions on the ice and his professionalism throughout his career.
As the league moves forward, Lucic’s retirement underscores the natural cycle of player careers and the ongoing evolution of team rosters. The Bruins will look to their remaining roster and upcoming draft picks to fill the void left by Lucic’s departure, while the NHL continues to celebrate the achievements of players who have left a lasting impact on the sport.
