Criminal case against Boston Bruins’ Milan Lucic dismissed

On Friday, prosecutors dropped a domestic violence charge set against Boston Bruins forward Milan Lucic.

Lucic’s wife opted not to testify against him, invoking martial privilege. The move made it impossible for prosecutors to prove their case beyond a reasonable doubt.

Lucic was facing assault charges from an alleged altercation with his wife on Nov. 18, 2023. A phone call was made to 911, but according to the Associated Press, a move to admit 911 call information into evidence was denied.

After his arrest, Lucic entered a plea of not guilty to one count of assault and battery against a family member in Boston Municipal Court and was released on his own recognizance by the judge. Lucic was later admitted into the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program after taking an indefinite leave of absence.

Lucic, 35, returned to the Bruins this season after previously helping them win the Stanley Cup in 2011. During his initial stint with the team, Lucic became one of the most feared players in the NHL, putting up 60-plus points in 2010-11 and 2011-12.

Lucic struggled after his last 50-point season with the Edmonton Oilers in 2016-17, only breaking past the 23-point barrier once. Lucic hoped to get his career back on track with the Bruins after winning gold at the 2023 IIHF men’s World Hockey Championship, signing a one-year deal worth $1 million last summer. Lucic has two assists in four games this season.

It’s unclear if Lucic will re-join the Bruins at some point this season.