Milan Lucic announced his retirement from the NHL on Sunday after 17 seasons, closing a career that included a 2011 Stanley Cup with the Boston Bruins, 1,177 games, and 233 goals.
When Milan Lucic stepped away from the NHL on Sunday, it wasn’t just another offseason announcement—it was the end of a 17-season stretch built on contact, toughness, and staying power.
Lucic said he is retiring from the league after a career that began in Boston and moved through several franchises. His legacy includes a Stanley Cup win with the Bruins in 2011, the kind of highlight that still reads like the perfect ending to a long road.
Across 1,177 career games with the Bruins, Calgary Flames, Edmonton Oilers and Los Angeles Kings, Lucic produced 233 goals and 353 assists for 586 points. His statement looked back on the journey as much as the destination.
“Looking back on my career. I feel truly grateful to have fulfilled my dream of playing professional hockey. culminating with a Stanley Cup win in 2011 with the Boston Bruins. ” Lucic said in a statement released by the NHL Players’ Association. “I want to especially thank the Bruins for giving me my start in professional hockey and for instilling the confidence to reach new heights as a player.”.
His final NHL season came in 2023-2024, when he appeared in four games for the Bruins. Even that last brief run carried the same imprint as the rest of his career: a player who stayed involved until the end.
Lucic used his retirement remarks to thank everyone who backed him during the years—coaches. staff. fans. and the people closest to him. “I want to extend my heartfelt appreciation to all the coaches. staff and fans from each team I was a part of. ” he said. “I also want to thank my agent, Gerry Johannson, for his guidance during my playing days. Finally, none of this would have been possible without my family for their encouragement throughout my career. I would like to especially thank my wife Brittany for her love and support along with my three beautiful children. Valentina. Nikolina and Milan Jr.”.
Milan Lucic NHL retirement Boston Bruins 2011 Stanley Cup Calgary Flames Edmonton Oilers Los Angeles Kings NHL Players' Association