On Tuesday morning, it was announced that the St. Louis Blues had signed forward Milan Lucic to a professional tryout contract. Lucic will have the opportunity to earn a spot on the Blues’ roster out of training camp. Lucic last played in the NHL during the 2023-24 season and has recently completed the NHL Player Assistance Program. While this is undoubtedly an opportunity for a veteran to return to the game of hockey, this PTO also tells us some things about the Blues.
What the Lucic PTO Tells Us About the Blues
What Lucic Brings to the Table
Lucic has 233 goals and 353 assists for 586 points in 1,177 career games. He has been an offensive player in his career. Furthermore, he won a Stanley Cup with the Boston Bruins in 2011. He won a gold medal with Canada at the 2023 IIHF World Championships. Lastly, Lucic is a physical presence on the ice. He is not afraid to use his body to make plays in the offensive or defensive zone.
At 37 years old, Lucic’s scoring days may be in his past. However, his physical presence is still something that could be valuable to a team.
However, does Lucic fit into the Blues’ lineup?
The Blues’ Forward Group
The Blues’ forward group has a combination of established stars, veterans, and youngsters. The amount of available forwards even made general manager Doug Armstrong comfortable enough to trade Zachary Bolduc for Logan Mailloux.
The following is the Blues’ projected line combinations per Daily Faceoff.
Pavel Buchnevich – Robert Thomas – Jimmy Snuggerud
Dylan Holloway – Brayden Schenn – Jordan Kyrou
Jake Neighbours – Pius Suter – Nick Bjugstad
Alexey Toropchenko – Oskar Sundqvist – Mathieu Joseph
We believe Nathan Walker will take Joseph’s spot on the fourth line. We also think Bjugstad will be the fourth-line centre.
Where Does Lucic Fit In?
When you look at the line combinations, including our revisions, there is a possible opening on the third-line wing. Sundqvist or Joseph could be an option. There is also Nikita Alexandrov, Alexandre Texier, Zach Dean, and prospect Dalibor Dvorsky. It would appear now Lucic is added to the mix.
Lucic’s physical style of play would be helpful on the bottom-six lines. Furthermore, he would add a veteran presence to a team looking to build off of last year’s trip to the playoffs.
If Lucic makes the team, this could be a good thing for the Blues. However, it also tells us something about the Blues.
What the PTO Tells Us
Dvorsky is Not A Depth Option
Some have wondered if Dvorsky is a candidate for the roster this season. However, the Lucic PTO suggests the Blues are seeking another depth option. Dvorsky, meanwhile, can continue to develop in the American Hockey League. After scoring 21 goals last season in the AHL, Dvorsky is showcasing his offensive capabilities, which the Blues know he is capable of.
This does not mean Dvorsky is not headed to the NHL this season. However, the Blues are likely going to wait for the correct moment. Dvorsky is not a bottom-six forward. If the Blues are going to call him up, they are going to put him in a top-six role that better fits his long-term role.
By signing Lucic to the PTO, the Blues are simply giving themselves another depth option now that Dvorsky is off the table.
Blues Are Aware of Depth Questions
While the Blues have talent on their roster, there are questions about their depth. Who can fill in when needed? Joseph had an unimpressive season last year. Alexandrov has not had much time at the NHL level yet. Other possible depth options have similar question marks. For a team looking to return to the playoffs, these question marks can make for uncertain times should someone need to fill in.
Lucic’s PTO has the potential to give the Blues another depth option. If he makes the team, he will add stability to the team’s roster.
The Retool is Over
There are some kinks to figure out, but if the Blues were looking to remain in the retool, why add a veteran? They could have seen what players like Joseph and Alexandrov can do. Instead, they are opening the door for a veteran to come in and help the team win now.
No, Lucic is not the player he once was. On the ice, if he makes the team, he will not have the goal-scoring impact that others will. However, he has experience winning, and that helps in a locker room ready to compete in the playoffs.
Main Photo: Winslow Townson- Imagn Images
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