Unfortunate News Hit Boston Bruins Forward Milan Lucic

According to Boston Bruins head coach Jim Montgomery, Lucic's rehabilitation is progressing more slowly than expected.

Montgomery mentioned after Monday's practice,

Lucic has been sidelined since October 21, following a game against the Los Angeles Kings. In that match, he took a Derek Forbort slapshot to the ankle area.

Attempts to return to play the next day in a game against the Anaheim Ducks proved unsuccessful, and he has been on long-term injury reserve since October 27. While he becomes eligible to come off LTIR when the Bruins face the Montreal Canadiens on Saturday, a return at this point appears unlikely.

Standing at 6-foot-3 and weighing 236 pounds, Lucic, who rejoined the Bruins this season, has contributed two assists in four games.

The veteran player, known for his tenure with the Bruins from 2007-08 to 2014-15, also played a pivotal role in the team's 2010-11 Stanley Cup victory, his most statistically impressive season with 30 goals and 32 assists.

In addition to Lucic, the Boston Bruins continue to face absences in their lineup, with forward Morgan Geekie and defenseman Matt Grzelcyk both on injured reserve due to shoulder injuries. Grzelcyk, in particular, is on long-term injured reserve.

As seen on bostonhockeynow