Popular forward departs Flames via free agency after four seasons
Milan Lucic is now a former Flames forward after officially signing with the Boston Bruins on Saturday. According to TSN's Pierre LeBrun, it is a one-year deal with a $1 million base salary plus performance bonuses.
Lucic, the popular hulking winger who spent four seasons with the Flames, became an unrestricted free-agent and now returns to the city and club where he won a Stanley Cup in 2011.
Acquired from the Edmonton Oilers a few seasons into signing a lucrative seven-year, $42-million contract, which sent James Neal the other way and with the Oilers eating a portion of his salary, Lucic collected 35 goals and 83 points in 283 games with Calgary. He netted seven goals and 19 points in 77 games in 2022-23.
Although he was no longer the impact scorer of year’s past, Lucic provided a veteran physical presence for the Flames on the ice and in the dressing room.
Lucic, 35, said at the end of the season he wanted to continue playing, and proved it by winning gold with Canada at the world championships. In fact, while players rejected overtures to skate for their country, Lucic asked the management team for a spot and claimed a championship alongside his good friend Tyler Toffoli and now former-Flames teammate MacKenzie Weegar.
As well, defenseman Troy Stecher, acquired by the Flames at the trade deadline, has left via free agency back to the Arizona Coyotes, while forward Trevor Lewis has signed with the Los Angles Kings on a one-year pact.
Other Flames who are now free agents include forwards Trevor Lewis, Nick Ritchie and Matthew Phillips and defenseman Michael Stone.
