The reason Lucic has been a healthy scratch for the Flames

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Dorin Canaday
December 14, 2022 (0:00)

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The Calgary Flames made have made Milan Lucic a healthy scratch in their last two games, but why?

On a recent episode of 32 Thoughts, Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman shared that there's a reasoning behind Darryl Sutter's decision to put the veteran in the press box:

''It was trending in that direction ... I think the Flames are doing this, not so much to Lucic on purpose, but I think they want to see what they have in some of their kids.''

Matthew Phillips, 24, was recently called up from the AHL for his second and third NHL games. Along with Radim Zohorna, Sutter wants to see what he can get from some younger players on the fourth line.

Friedman continued:

''The thing about Lucic is... he is a proud guy... Erik Karlsson said last week his career is not over... that is what I've heard about Lucic... I'm curious to see if he is going to be in the lineup ... (the Flames) have got two huge games this week, Monday night hockey against the Canadiens and Wednesday night hockey against the Canucks ... I guarantee you both of those teams are saying, 'Please don't put (Lucic) in against us because (he's going to be angry.''

Friedman also stated that this isn't a permanent plan to scratch Lucic but that Sutter is hoping to send a message to the veteran. In 25 games this season, the 34-year-old has just five assists and is a minus seven.