BOSTON – Boston Bruins forward Milan Lucic entered Boston Municipal Court on Tuesday morning to face a judge after being arrested over the weekend for a domestic incident involving his wife.
Lucic, a 17-year NHL veteran, pleaded not guilty to charges of assault and battery on a family member. He was ultimately released on personal recognizance and returned to court on January 19, 2024.
The victim said that Lucic couldn’t find his cell phone after returning home from a night of drinking and that he began screaming and demanding the phone, the prosecutor said. The victim told Lucic she didn’t know where the phone was and was trying to walk away when he allegedly grabbed her hair and pulled it back.
Wearing a black suit, black tie and white shirt, Lucic was led by court officials into the hearing room, where prosecutors detailed the facts and circumstances of his arrest.
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Officers responding to a report of an assault and battery at 50 Battery Street in Boston just after 1 a.m. Saturday spoke in the building’s lobby with Lucic’s wife, who claimed her husband tried to choke her, a prosecutor said as he read from a Boston police report.
An officer noted that he observed redness on the victim’s chest and that she stated that Lucic did not try to strangle her during the incident, the prosecutor said.
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The officer and a sergeant then went to Lucic’s apartment, where he “appeared drunk when he opened the door,” the prosecutor said. There was also said to be a broken lamp on a bedside table and broken glass on the floor of his bedroom.
“He explained to officers that nothing had happened and did not attempt to provide an explanation,” police wrote in the report about Lucic.
Lucic was informed of the allegations against him and he was taken into custody without incident.
[ ‘Very concerned and upset’: Marchand reacts after Bruins forward Milan Lucic charged with assault ]
On Saturday, the Bruins announced that Lucic was taking an indefinite leave of absence from the team due to a “situation.”
“Milan is saying goodbye to the team for an indefinite period. “The organization takes these matters very seriously and we will work with the Lucic family to provide them with any support and assistance they may require,” the team statement said.
“We support the Lucic family and will continue to provide support and assistance,” Bruins head coach Jim Montgomery told the media before Boston’s game against the Montreal Canadiens on Saturday evening.
Montgomery said he had not spoken with Lucic and that Saturday was an unusual day in the organization.
Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Boston Bruins BOSTON, MA – MARCH 12: Milan Lucic #17 of the Boston Bruins looks on during the second half against the Tampa Bay Lightning at TD Garden on March 12, 2015 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) (Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
Capitals Bruins Hockey Boston Bruins left wing Milan Lucic (17) shoots at Washington Capitals goalie Darcy Kuemper (35) during the first period of a preseason NHL hockey game on Tuesday, Oct. 3, 2023, in Boston. . (AP Photo/Charles Krupa) (Charles Krupa/AP)
Bruins Sharks Hockey Boston Bruins left wing Milan Lucic (17) reaches in front of San Jose Sharks defenseman Nikolai Knyzhov (71) during the second half of an NHL hockey game in San Jose, Calif., on Thursday, April 19 October, after the puck. 2023. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu) (Jeff Chiu/AP)
Baltimore Orioles vs. Boston Red Sox BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – SEPTEMBER 8: Milan Lucic of the Boston Bruins poses with Justin Turner #2 of the Boston Red before the game between the Boston Red Sox and the Baltimore Orioles at Fenway Park on September 8 Sox to fight in Boston, Massachusetts in 2023. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) (Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Boston Bruins – Game One BOSTON, MA – MAY 14: Milan Lucic #17 of the Boston Bruins competes against the Tampa Bay Lightning in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals during the 2011 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at TD Garden on May 14. May 2011 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) (Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
Baltimore Orioles vs. Boston Red Sox BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – SEPTEMBER 8: Milan Lucic of the Boston Bruins looks on after throwing out the ceremonial first pitch before the game between the Boston Red Sox and the Baltimore Orioles at Fenway Park on September 8, 2023 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) (Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
Detroit Red Wings vs. Boston Bruins – Game Five BOSTON, MA – APRIL 26: Milan Lucic #17 of the Boston Bruins celebrates his goal against the Detroit Red Wings in the third period of game five of the first round of the 2014 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at TD Garden on April 26, 2014 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jared Wickerham) (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images) (Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)
New York Rangers vs. Boston Bruins BOSTON, MA – MARCH 28: Milan Lucic #17 of the Boston Bruins reacts after scoring his first of two goals in the first period against the New York Rangers at TD Garden on March 28, 2015 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images) (Jim Rogash/Getty Images)
Chicago Blackhawks vs. Boston Bruins BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – OCTOBER 11: Milan Lucic #17 of the Boston Bruins is announced prior to the Bruins’ home opener against the Chicago Blackhawks at TD Garden on October 11, 2023 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) (Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
Chicago Blackhawks vs. Boston Bruins BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – OCTOBER 11: Milan Lucic #17 of the Boston Bruins is announced prior to the Bruins’ home opener against the Chicago Blackhawks at TD Garden on October 11, 2023 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) (Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
Philadelphia Flyers vs. Boston Bruins BOSTON, MA – MARCH 7: Milan Lucic #17 of the Boston Bruins looks on during the game against the Philadelphia Flyers at TD Garden on March 7, 2015 in Boston, Massachusetts. The Bruins beat the Flyers 3-2 in overtime. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) (Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
“Our culture here is great and we care about each other,” the second-year Bruins head coach noted. “It’s not a normal day in that sense, but we are professionals and we have a game to play tonight.”
Lucic was drafted by the Bruins in the second round of the 2006 NHL Entry Draft and spent the first eight years of his career in Boston before splitting the next eight years between the Los Angeles Kings, Edmonton Oilers and Calgary Flames.
Lucic signed a one-year, $1,000,000 contract this summer to return to Boston and cap his career.
Lucic led the Bruins with 30 goals in the 2010-2011 championship season, and his physical, powerful presence in the Black and Gold’s forward line quickly made him a fan favorite in Boston.
Lucic was placed on long-term IR on October 28 after sustaining a puck injury to his ankle.
Under his bail conditions, Lucic is required to avoid drinking alcohol until the case is resolved.
Milan Lucic in court
Lucic appears in court
Milan Lucic in court
Lucic appears in court
Lucic appears in court
Milan Lucic arrives in court in Boston to face charges
Milan Lucic arrives in court in Boston
Milan Lucic arrives in court in Boston
Milan Lucic arrives in court in Boston
Milan Lucic in court
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