Even though he is currently ineligible to return to the NHL, and though not formally suspended by the NHLPA; former NHLer Milan Lucic is controversially trying to revive his career.
According to The Daily Faceoff's Frank Seravalli; Milan Lucic has begun training in New Jersey in hopes of rectifying some type of comeback.
Lucic was the centre of controversy after being arrested for assault and battery charges in November 2023; he pleaded not guilty and the charges were later dropped by his wife in early 2024. Lucic then checked himself into the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program, and took a leave of abscense indefinitely. His wife Brittany filed for divorce in April, according to a New York Post article here.
Although Lucic is technically a free agent and hasn't had a formal suspension handed out; NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman refuses to allow Lucic back in; a move that should be applauded and one of Bettman's only victories as Commissioner.
For his career, Lucic played for 4 teams including Los Angeles, Edmonton, Calgary and Boston, who drafted him 2nd Round (50th overall) in 2006. He has 233 goals and 353 assists for 586 points in 1177 NHL games.
