On June 21, 2025, a post on Lucic’s X account revealed that after taking time off to work on himself and reconnect with his family, he is ready to return to the NHL. Two months later, the Blues and Doug Armstrong announced the signing of Milan Lucic to a professional tryout.
Milan Lucic has played an impressive 1,177 games in the NHL and ranks 20th in the most games played since the 2007–2008 season. At 37 years old, Milan Lucic no longer possesses the skating ability he once had; however, his size and capacity to shift momentum through physical play can still play a significant role in today's NHL.
What happened?
In November 2023, the 17-year veteran and Stanley Cup champion was arrested and later admitted to drug addiction, voluntarily entering the NHL/NHLPA players' assistance program, a confidential support program created by the NHL in 1996 to help players and their families with mental health and substance issues.
Why is this significant?
It’s well known that substance use disorder is a public health crisis. In fact, research conducted by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) in 2020 declared that 40.3% of people in the U.S. reported having a substance use disorder, but only 6.5% received treatment. In 2021, 107,000 people died from overdoses, with Black and Indigenous groups having the highest rates.
In May 2024, the Canadian Press reported on the rising participation in the NHL/NHLPA players' assistance program. While increased involvement indicates a growing need for addiction or mental health treatment within the NHL, it also shows that players are actively seeking help.
Former and current Blues who have spoken publicly about substance use and mental health
Jakub Vrana
In August 2025, during an interview with Detroit Red Wings Media, former Blues winger Jakub Vrana stated that after entering the NHLPA during the 2022–23 season, the league has not looked at him the same. Vrana signed with Linköping of Sweden’s SHL. Whether or not the 2022–23 season marks Vrana's decline, he has likely faced stigma, and so will Lucic.
Kasperi Kapanen
In July 2024, Finnish newspaper Ilta Sanomat interviewed former Blue Kasperi Kapanen, who discussed feeling shame after his 2023 drunk driving arrest in Finland. Kapanen said his drinking was mainly due to coping with masked feelings of pressure, annoyance, and anxiety. The pressure of addiction and NHL expectations will challenge Lucic. Like Kapanen, Lucic must focus on recovery and support to stay sober and play in the NHL.
Jim Montgomery
"For those who struggle out there, you can change. You can affect change within yourself. It doesn't happen alone. You need a team. You need a community. I'm lucky." - Jim Montgomery, Blues Head Coach
This is just a small excerpt from the coach's 2023 speech after winning the Jack Adams Award. He shared his honest journey of recovery from alcohol struggles and his success after being fired from the Dallas Stars. While Lucic may be seen as high risk due to age and injuries, Montgomery’s story shows that narratives can change, even when concerns about substance use affect confidence.
So, what does this mean for Milan Lucic?
Despite the stigma around addiction and mental health, as well as the extra pressures of the NHL, he hasn’t given up on himself or the league. Now, with his family's support, a clear mindset, and self-confidence, Milan Lucic has precisely what it takes to stay healthy and begin camp with a chip on his shoulder. Is it enough to secure a roster spot?