Milan Lucic Finally Speaks On His Struggles With The Flames

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S. Harper
April 16, 2023 (9:34)

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With the 2023 Stanley Cup playoffs set to begin it's definitely going to be odd not to see the Calgary Flames competing, especially since they are a team that looked built for the playoffs. The Flames made a lot of changes after being eliminated by rival Edmonton Oilers in 5 games last season.

Out went Johnny Gaudreau, Sean Monahan, and Matthew Tkachuk, and in came Jonathan Huberdeau, Mackenzie Weegar, and Nazem Kadri. Unfortunately the team couldn't gel and many on the team struggled especially Milan Lucic.

Lucic took a lot of hate from fans and on Social media as many would criticize the 32 year-old for not being worth the money Lucic is making. Lucic was in the final year of his seven year $42 million dollar contract he signed as a free agent back in 2016.

Lucic's numbers have been on the decline but this was the worst year of his career putting up just 19 points in 77 games this season.

Lucic stated in today's exit interviews that:

He had contemplated retirement on various occasions during his stint in Calgary, after losing his love for the game. However, he was grateful for the Flames fans that helped him through his tough times during his four years with the team.

"It wasn't fun... and it got to a point for me when it wasn't fun coming to the rink anymore and all that type of stuff," admitted Lucic. "It was tough at one point... but that's why I'm thankful and grateful to have the people around me that I've had here in Calgary."

Personally I think Lucic could still be a nice fit on a playoff team, but it would be at a much cheaper contract as I don't think any GM is paying Lucic any massive contracts at this time in his career.

Credit:Markerzone