Prosecutors dropped their domestic assault case against Boston Bruins forward Milan Lucic in court on Friday after Lucic’s wife declined to testify against him and a judge ruled that the 911 call was inadmissible.
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Lucic will remain on indefinite leave from the Bruins for the remainder of the season, the team said via a spokesperson Friday afternoon.
"Milan Lucic will remain on indefinite leave from the organization for the remainder of the 2023-24 season," the team said. "The Boston Bruins organization supports Milan and his family as he continues his personal rehabilitation."
Lucic’s trial was scheduled to begin on Friday, but his wife not testifying and the 911 call being inadmissible left the prosecution with no case.
Lucic was arrested in November and pleaded not guilty to a charge of assault and battery on a family member.
The 35-year-old winger was on long-term injured reserve due to a lower-body injury at the time, and had been on indefinite leave from the team ever since. He also entered the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program, which helps players dealing with mental health, substance abuse and other issues.
Lucic's attorney, Gary Pelletier, said his client wants to return to the NHL and is planning to work with the league, although it is now clear that any return will not be with the Bruins this season.
“Milan is very happy,” Pelletier said, according to The Boston Globe. “He’s looking forward to get his life back on track and get his career back on track.”
Lucic, who previously played for the Bruins from 2007-15, had played four games in his return this season before getting injured, recording two assists.