Similar to last year's off-season, the Blackhawks find themselves racing to meet the cap floor and securing contracts for potential trade opportunities at the deadline. However, this time around, there is one notable difference: Connor Bedard.
Today, Milan Lucic revealed that he had received calls from 10 to 15 teams and engaged in extensive discussions with the Blackhawks. Ultimately, he chose to sign with the Boston Bruins.
Milan Lucic is renowned for his enforcer role in the game. He possesses the ability to deliver powerful hits, engage in fights, and his physical stature enables him to excel in these areas. At 35 years old, Lucic boasts a 17-year career in the league. During the previous season with the Calgary Flames, he accumulated 7 goals and 12 assists, resulting in 19 points across 77 games.
So, why would Davidson pursue him? Milan would have been brought in primarily to safeguard Bedard, offering protection rather than significant statistical contributions.
Given his age and unremarkable stats, Lucic does not fit the mold of a rebuilding team. Corey Perry was likely the preferred option, serving as 'Plan A.' If Davidson failed to secure Perry, he could have turned to Lucic as the contingency 'Plan B,' offering a slightly higher salary to fulfill the cap floor requirement.
In the end, Corey Perry was the one brought in to fulfill the role that Milan Lucic would have fulfilled, that of protecting Connor Bedard.
