Buckle up, hockey fans – a legendary tough guy is gearing up for a potential St. Louis Blues comeback, but the road ahead is paved with rehab and rookie league detours! Milan Lucic, the no-nonsense forward known for his physical presence on the ice, has inked another professional tryout deal with the Blues and is set to report to their American Hockey League affiliate, the Springfield Thunderbirds. This move comes after he initially signed a PTO in the summer but had to hit pause due to a nagging groin injury suffered during preseason activities. For those new to hockey lingo, a PTO is basically a 'professional tryout' agreement – it's like a trial run where a player gets a chance to prove themselves without a full contract commitment. Lucic has been diligently rehabbing right here in St. Louis and has even begun skating independently, showing signs of progress. Blues general manager Doug Armstrong has been vocal about the team's intentions all along: once Lucic shakes off that injury, they're eager to bring him back into the fold with a proper deal. As for how long the 37-year-old will be grinding it out in the AHL? Well, the team hasn't laid out any specific schedule, leaving fans and analysts alike to speculate on his path to NHL stardom.
But here's where it gets controversial... Lucic, standing tall at 6 feet 3 inches and weighing in at 240 pounds, managed to suit up for four preseason games with the Blues, where he chipped in with a goal and an assist. This brief cameo offered a glimpse of his potential, but the injury sidelined him before he could really showcase his current skills. Still, the Blues are betting big on him adding that seasoned edge to their lineup – think a grizzled veteran bolstering the fourth line and easing the pressure on fighters like Tyler Tucker when it comes to those intense, gloves-off moments. It's a classic move to inject experience and toughness into a younger squad. Yet, skeptics might argue that in today's fast-paced NHL, where speed and finesse often trump old-school physicality, is there still a place for a player like Lucic? And this is the part most people miss: with the Blues already carrying 14 forwards on their roster, Lucic's return could force some tough decisions. If everyone's healthy when he's ready to come back from Springfield, they'll likely need to make room by sending someone else packing. Lucic has already logged seven games this season with one assist, so the clock is ticking on how he integrates.
And here's where opinions might really diverge... Is this a smart gamble on a proven enforcer, or are the Blues risking roster spots on a player whose prime might be behind him? For beginners wondering about the AHL, it's the minor league feeder system for the NHL – a proving ground where players hone their skills before the big leagues. Imagine it like a farm team where young talent gets seasoned, and in Lucic's case, it's his chance to regain form after injury. Some might say this emphasizes the value of veteran leadership, potentially inspiring younger players, while others could counter that modern hockey prioritizes analytics and skating over brawling. What do you think, Blues faithful? Do you see Lucic as a key piece for playoff contention, or is this move more sentimental than strategic? Drop your thoughts in the comments – I'd love to hear agreements, disagreements, or even wild predictions on how this plays out!
Nov 4, 2025
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Jeremy Rutherford is a seasoned senior writer at The Athletic, specializing in the St. Louis Blues. His coverage stretches back to the 2005-06 season, including over a decade at the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. He's also penned books like 'Bernie Federko: My Blues Note' and '100 Things Blues Fans Should Know & Do Before They Die,' and serves as the Blues Insider for 101 ESPN in St. Louis. Catch his insights on Twitter at @jprutherford.
