Milan Lucic is heading to the open market as an unrestricted free agent.
The power forward let that be known by way of text message to ESPN's Pierre LeBrun, after failing to come to an agreement on an extension with the Los Angeles Kings.
Drafted in the second round of the 2006 NHL Draft by the Boston Bruins, Lucic has recorded 159 goals and 397 points in 647 regular-season games, averaging 20 goals and 50 points for every 82 games played. He's also proven to be an intimidating foe and a positive possession player, bringing a coveted mix of skill and physicality to the table.
The 28-year-old left-winger is set to command a significant amount of attention, with these three teams ranking as top potential destinations.
Vancouver Canucks
Cap space: $9,287,085
Bring him home.
Lucic is a Vancouver native who had a successful run with the WHL's Giants as a junior player, and even lifted the Stanley Cup on home soil, albeit as a member of the Bruins, back in 2011.
The Canucks are quite thin at left wing, and will need to replace Radim Vrbata's production up front after his likely departure via free agency. Dumping Alex Burrows' contract would open up more cap space and a roster spot for Lucic.
Lucic has already said playing in Vancouver is a dream he's had since childhood, while general manager Jim Benning is quite familiar with him dating back to his days as assistant GM in Boston.
Edmonton Oilers
Cap space: $12,105,836
Speaking of the Boston days, Edmonton Oilers GM Peter Chiarelli certainly benefited from having Lucic on the roster during his tenure with the Bruins, although it's now-New York Rangers GM Jeff Gorton who's to be credited for selecting the hulking young forward.
Lucic would bring a level of physicality and veteran savvy that's been missing in Edmonton's young core, and would be called upon to serve as a complementary point producer, which suits his skill set just fine.
Earlier in June, it was reported that Lucic would be "warm" to receiving a free-agent offer from the Oilers, although at the time he appeared somewhat certain to return to Los Angeles.
Warmth is something he'd certainly need should he make that move.
New York Islanders
Cap space: $15,421,025
The New York Islanders advanced to the second round of the playoffs and won't be looking to take a step back.
So while GM Garth Snow appears prepared to allow Kyle Okposo to walk as a UFA, his departure would open a prime spot for Lucic alongside John Tavares in Brooklyn.
Having Tavares locked into a team-friendly salary-cap hit of $5.5 million over the next couple years allows for a measure of big spending elsewhere, for the time being at least.
The Islanders' top-paid player at the moment is Johnny Boychuk, also a member of the 2011 Bruins.
That could change as early as July 1, should Snow announce "Lucic is coming."
- Salary information courtesy general fanager
