Associated Press November 21, 2023, 11:00 am ET1 minute read
BOSTON – Boston Bruins forward Milan Lucic was released on bail Tuesday after pleading not guilty to assaulting his wife.
A Boston Police report said Lucic appeared to be drunk when officers arrived at his North End apartment early Saturday after his wife reported he had tried to choke her. Brittany Lucic told responding officers that her husband pulled her hair, but she said he did not try to strangle her. She declined an offer of medical treatment.
Milan Lucic, a member of the Bruins’ 2011 Stanley Cup championship team, was arrested on suspicion of assault on a family member, which carries a maximum penalty of two and a half years in prison.
Lucic, 35, did not comment at his arraignment Tuesday morning. A not guilty plea was entered on his behalf and a preliminary hearing was scheduled for January 19. As a condition of his release on bail, Lucic was banned from abusing his wife and consuming alcohol.
The judge granted a request from Lucic’s lawyer that he be allowed to attend the next hearing via video call.
Lucic’s agent did not respond to an email seeking comment over the weekend or a text message seeking comment on Monday.
The 1.80 meter tall, 110 kilogram Vancouver native has not played since October 21st due to injury. He has two assists in four games this season.
The Bruins announced Saturday that Lucic would be taking an indefinite leave of absence from the team. Coach Jim Montgomery and captain Brad Marchand said they would provide any support Lucic’s family needs but declined to comment otherwise on the arrest.