NHL: Boston Bruins at San Jose Sharks - Source: Imagn — Is Milan Lucic signing a PTO with the Devils? Insider posts team statement clearing the air on viral rumor (Image Credit: Imagn)

Is Milan Lucic signing a PTO with the Devils? Insider posts team statement clearing the air on viral rumor

Modified Sep 05, 2024 14:29 GMT

A rumor surfaced that Milan Lucic, a former standout with the Boston Bruins, was going to sign with the New Jersey Devils on a PTO (professional tryout offer). Lucic is coming off an indefinite leave of absence due to domestic violence allegations, and some experts claimed that he was about to land with the Devils.

However, NHL insider James Nichols reported that the team shut down any talk of signing the player. In fact, they were very plain about the story and its falsehood.

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The team's statement read:

"Categorically untrue. His situation lies with the league. We haven't and couldn't sign him to a PTO. Apparently, Stauffer corrected it on this hit later in the day."

Edmonton Oilers broadcaster Bob Stauffer allegedly started the rumor by saying on the Oilers NOW podcast:

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

The team is not signing him to any sort of contract, though, as his status is still a league issue. His wife called 911 on him in November. Lucic allegedly pulled his wife's hair and attempted to choke her while he was drunk and angry. He pleaded not guilty to charges of assault and battery and was released but ordered not to drink or abuse anyone anymore.

The charges were dropped in February, but Lucic remained off the ice for the remainder of the year and it's unclear what he will do in the 2024-25 season.

Milan Lucic's wife filed for divorce after domestic incident

The reason Milan Lucic hasn't played in so long is that he was placed on leave after a domestic violence incident. That incident eventually led to his wife filing for divorce. The filing states that they separated on Nov. 17, 2023, one day before the alleged incident.

Milan Lucic's wife filed for divorce (Imagn)

The New York Post reported that he allegedly put his hands on her in an argument over her phone. She reportedly asked for custody of the three children they have together.