Milan Lucic facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Milan Lucic
Lucic with the Calgary Flames in October 2021
Born	(1988-06-07) June 7, 1988 (age 37) Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Height	6 ft 3 in (191 cm)
Weight	236 lb (107 kg; 16 st 12 lb)
Position	Left wing
Shoots	Left
NHL team Former teams	Free agent Boston Bruins Los Angeles Kings Edmonton Oilers Calgary Flames
National team	Canada
NHL Draft	50th overall, 2006 Boston Bruins
Playing career	2007–present

Milan Lucic (born June 7, 1988) is a Canadian professional ice hockey player. He recently played for the Boston Bruins in the National Hockey League (NHL). Currently, he is a free agent, meaning he can sign with any team.

Milan played his junior hockey with the Vancouver Giants for three seasons. He helped them win the Memorial Cup in 2007. He was also named the tournament's most valuable player (MVP). The Boston Bruins picked him 50th overall in the 2006 NHL entry draft. He joined the Bruins as a 19-year-old in 2007–08. Just three years later, he won the Stanley Cup with the Bruins.

He played for Boston for eight seasons. In June 2015, he was traded to the Los Angeles Kings. After one season there, Lucic signed with the Edmonton Oilers in July 2016. He played three seasons for the Oilers. In July 2019, he was traded to the Calgary Flames. Milan Lucic is known for his strong, physical style of play.

Early Life and Hockey Start

Milan Lucic was born in East Vancouver, Canada. His parents, Dobro and Snezana, came to Canada from Serbia. He has two brothers, Nikola and Jovan. His uncle, Dan Kesa, also played in the NHL.

Growing up, Milan went to Killarney Secondary School in Vancouver. He was a big fan of the local team, the Vancouver Canucks. At age 15, he was diagnosed with Scheuermann's disease. This condition can make the upper back curve.

Lucic played minor hockey in Vancouver. He almost stopped playing after not being picked in the 2003 WHL Bantam Draft. He was invited to play for the Coquitlam Express, a Junior A team. But he didn't make the team at first. He then played for the Junior B Delta Ice Hawks. Soon after, he earned a spot with the Coquitlam Express.

Playing Career

Junior Hockey Success

Lucic's banner in the Giants' Ring of Honour

Milan started his junior career with the Coquitlam Express in 2004–05. That same season, he played a few games for his hometown team, the Vancouver Giants. They are part of the Western Hockey League (WHL). He joined the Giants full-time in 2005–06. He scored 19 points in 62 games. He also helped the Giants win the WHL title. They made it to the 2006 Memorial Cup.

After that season, the Boston Bruins picked him in the 2006 NHL Entry Draft. They chose him 50th overall in the second round. The Bruins were happy to get him.

In the 2006–07 season, Lucic became a key player for the Giants. He led the team with 68 points in 70 games. He also had 19 points in 22 playoff games. The Giants lost the WHL Finals that year. But as hosts, they still played in the 2007 Memorial Cup. Milan and the Giants won the Memorial Cup, beating the Medicine Hat Tigers. Lucic was named the tournament's Most Valuable Player (MVP).

Years later, in 2011, the Vancouver Giants honored Milan. They added him to their "Ring of Honour." Fans also voted him the team's best player ever.

Professional Career

Boston Bruins (2007–2015)

Lucic during his rookie season with the Bruins in January 2008

In 2007, Lucic signed his first contract with the Bruins. He made the Bruins' team for the 2007–08 season. His first NHL game was on October 5, 2007. He scored his first goal a week later. In that game, he also had an assist and a fight. This is known as a "Gordie Howe hat trick." The Bruins decided to keep him in the NHL. He was known for his physical play.

He played in the 2008 NHL YoungStars Game. He finished his first season with 8 goals and 27 points. Bruins fans voted him the team's "Seventh Player Award" for playing better than expected. He scored his first playoff goal on April 13, 2008.

In the 2008–09 season, Lucic scored his first NHL hat-trick on October 25, 2008. He was chosen for his second YoungStars Game. He finished his second season with 17 goals and 42 points.

Before the 2009–10 season, Lucic signed a new three-year contract with the Bruins. He faced some injuries that season. He broke a finger and sprained his ankle. These injuries limited him to 50 games.

Lucic celebrates with the Stanley Cup following the Bruins' Game 7 win against the Vancouver Canucks.

In the 2010–11 season, Lucic had a great year. He scored a career-high 30 goals, 32 assists, and 62 points. He led the Bruins in goals. The Bruins made it to the Stanley Cup Finals. They played against the Vancouver Canucks. The Bruins won the Stanley Cup in Game 7. It was their first Stanley Cup win since 1972. Lucic played through injuries during the playoffs, including a broken toe.

In August 2011, Lucic had his day with the Stanley Cup. He spent it in Vancouver, his hometown. He brought the trophy to his church and on a boat trip with friends. He also took it to Grouse Mountain.

During the 2011–12 season, Lucic was involved in a notable play. He collided with Buffalo Sabres goalie Ryan Miller. The league decided not to suspend him. Later, he received a one-game suspension for a hit on Philadelphia's Zac Rinaldo.

Los Angeles Kings (2015–2016)

Lucic warming up with the Kings during the 2016 Stanley Cup playoffs

On June 26, 2015, Lucic was traded to the Los Angeles Kings. He had a strong season with the Kings. He scored 20 goals and 35 assists for 55 points. He also added three assists in five playoff games.

Edmonton Oilers (2016–2019)

On July 1, 2016, Lucic signed a seven-year contract with the Edmonton Oilers. He chose to wear #27 because his usual #17 was retired by the Oilers.

Lucic had a good first year with the Oilers. He scored 23 goals and 50 points. He helped the team reach the playoffs for the first time since 2006. The Oilers won their first playoff series. But they lost in the next round. After his first season, Lucic's scoring numbers went down.

Calgary Flames (2019–2023)

On July 19, 2019, Lucic was traded to the Calgary Flames. He switched back to his familiar #17. Lucic had a slow start with the Flames. He was even suspended for two games. He scored his first goal as a Flame in his 28th game. By the time the season ended early due to the COVID-19 pandemic, he had eight goals.

On April 13, 2021, Lucic played his 1000th NHL game. He became the 352nd player to reach this milestone.

Return to Boston (2023–2024)

On July 1, 2023, Lucic returned to the Boston Bruins. He signed a one-year contract. Early in the season, he was injured. He took a puck to the ankle. He did not play for the rest of the 2023–24 season.

International Play

Medal record
Representing  Canada
Men's ice hockey
World Championships
Gold	2023 Finland/Latvia

After winning the Memorial Cup in 2007, Lucic was named captain of the Canada junior team. They played in the 2007 Super Series against Russia. This series celebrated the 35th anniversary of the 1972 Summit Series. Canada won the series.

Lucic was invited to try out for the Canadian senior team for the 2010 and 2014 Winter Olympics. He did not make the final team.

In 2023, Lucic was part of the Canadian team that won a gold medal at the World Championship.

Career Statistics

Regular Season and Playoffs

International Play Statistics

Year	Team	Event	Result		GP	G	A	Pts	PIM
2007	Canada	SS			8	0	3	3	16
2023	Canada	WC			10	2	2	4	4
Junior totals					8	0	3	3	16
Senior totals					10	2	2	4	4

Awards and Achievements

Major Junior Awards

NHL Awards

* Did not play due to injury

Boston Bruins Team Awards

Images for kids

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  Lucic (left foreground) engaged in a physical play with Jarkko Ruutu of the Pittsburgh Penguins, February 2008