BREAKING - Court case has officially determined Milan Lucic's fate

After a legal battle, the final verdict has been reached in the case involving Boston Bruins forward Milan Lucic, who was released on personal recognizance bail Tuesday following a plea of not guilty to charges of assaulting his wife.

The incident, as reported by the Boston Police Department, unfolded when officers responded to Lucic's North End apartment early Saturday. According to his wife, Brittany Lucic, her husband, in an apparent state of intoxication, had allegedly attempted to choke her. She disclosed that Lucic pulled her hair but clarified that he did not try to strangle her, declining any medical treatment.

Milan Lucic, a member of the Bruins' 2011 Stanley Cup championship team, faced charges of assault and battery on a family member, a charge carrying a maximum penalty of 2 1/2 years in prison.

At his arraignment on Tuesday morning, Lucic opted not to speak, and a plea of not guilty was entered on his behalf. A pre-trial hearing has been scheduled for Jan. 19. As part of his bail conditions, Lucic is prohibited from abusing the alleged victim and consuming alcohol.

In a noteworthy move, the judge granted a motion from Lucic's attorney, allowing him to attend the next hearing via video call.

Despite attempts to seek comments from Lucic's agent over the weekend and on Monday, there has been no response. The Vancouver native, standing at 6 feet 3 inches and weighing 236 pounds, has been sidelined since Oct. 21 due to injury, with two assists in four games this season.

In response to the legal proceedings, the Bruins announced on Saturday that Lucic would be taking an indefinite leave of absence from the team. Coach Jim Montgomery and captain Brad Marchand expressed their commitment to providing support for Lucic's family but refrained from commenting further on the arrest.