Expectations for Lucic in 2022–23

[TheScorpion]

So ... Milan Lucic. What do we expect from him next year?

He finished last season with one goal in his final 58 games after a really hot start. But he also dealt with a sprained shoulder and we've seen him rebound before. I thought he played his worst hockey as a Flame down the stretch last year, but he's shown he can be a capable third-liner over long periods of time since being acquired.

I shared some of my own musings on Lucic in a column at FlamesNation today:

https://flamesnation.ca/2022/09/10/m...-nhl-question/

I think Lucic could be the difference between the Flames' fourth line being solid or lacking next season. But he needs to be a whole lot better than he was in the last half of 2021–22 ... or else I think he could end up in the press box. Sutter heavily reduced his ice time over the final few months of last season.

What do we all think?

[EVERLAST]

The effort and will are still there. He's still an excellent facepuncher and nuclear deterrent when needed so there is that.

Don't know how many goalies will leave the 5 hole open for him to score his favorite way of scoring? But ....Looch just needs to be a solid checker who can pin opposing players deep in their zone and not be a defensive liability.

I think he's got plenty in the tank and lots of ways to inspire his team.

Glad he's here as he's still one of my favorites but Darryl will likely sit him allot this year if he's missing assignments, unprepared etc etc.

Didn't he come into camp last year in phenomenal shape? Just hope he does the same this year and stays healthier.

[Vinny01]

With Gudbransen gone he needs to ensure he is still the deterrent when guys like Benn, Kane, etc try and go after our stars. I expect this to still be a tough team but it will be interesting to see how different it will be without a super small forward like Gaudreau or a guy like Tkachuk on the team.

My 2 favorite Lucic moments from the playoffs last year was when he rocked McDavid in game 1 and when he took the face off against Benn after he was targeting Tkachuk in round one and Benn slowed his antics after that

[lazypucker]

I think Lucic may be healthy scratched for periods of time when his toughness is not needed for certain games or to make room for the youngsters, probably end up playing about 60 games and get 10 points playing in a Brett Ritchie role this season.

[Finger Cookin]

Play out his contract. Leave. Anything above this is gravy.

[Super-Rye]

Love me some looch.

4th line banger but I personally would rather he not be an everyday player. Not that he isnt still a good player, or that he shouldnt play a majoirty of games but just to keep him fresh throughout the year so he can still be his most effective later in the season and into the post season.

[Harry Lime]

There are going to be some really soft teams in the league this season, and others that will take liberties. He is still an effective player, but I would guess he suits up for about 60 games in the regular season, in order to make sure that he is healthy and fresh for the post season.

[Aarongavey]

Expectations are low. Counting stats will be almost non-existent. Value will be whatever value people place on intangibles.

[Huntingwhale]

My expectations are low to the point that I simply hope he's not a liability as the season goes on. He had a good 1st half, then really tapered off at points. Was mostly effective in the playoffs. At this point a steady decline is expected of him. So if he can keep his head above water and be a good leader, that's good enough for me.

[Erick Estrada]

Expectations of Lucic? Extremely low especially if he’s a regular in the lineup. He was spent in the 2nd half of the season last year. He’s almost done as an NHLer.

[Icon]

I'd be thrilled with him providing a big hit every other game, knuckles once in a while, and most importantly not being a liability, which isn't a shot against him, more a hope we don't go down that road. Just know the role and embrace it, and execute the basics around the puck.

If he does all that, he'll be a great piece of the equation this year.

[dammage79]

Expectations: maximum effort.

Any further Expectations are just begging for bad vibes.

Okay okay, at least 5 .....fiveholes goals

[GioforPM]

Yeah load management might be a good tool for Lucic. He was still an effective player in a lot of games, especially early on. It seemed to me like he faded over the season.

[blankall]

Hoping by the end of the season Lucic has been pushed down into a 13th forward role, as guys like Pelletier and Ruzicka earn full time spots.

[TheoFleury]

Probably won't be able to count on 5 or 6 seeing eye 5 hole goals that would make Mike Vernon blush this year. I'll take the under on 5 goals, so pretty much 5.25m worth of leadership, a few scraps and a couple hits a game... but nothing else

[Bonded]

5 five hole goals and some fights

[Gaskal]

Punch people in the face
Look mean
Tusken Raider celly

[Jay Random]

I don't expect goals from him at this point, but I did notice one thing last year: He was quietly effective at moving the puck up the ice. When Milan Lucic carries the puck into the offensive zone, You Do Not Stop Him. He goes in a very straight line from point A to point B, and woe betide anyone who occupies a point in between.

Now, whether anything happens after the puck reaches point B depends on his linemates, who probably won't be up to much. But at least they get a bit of time in the O zone.

[FormerPresJamesTaylor]

Lucic is done, and he's been done for a while. Sure he's had his moments but was a complete non-factor in the post season when everyone thought that would be where his presence would be felt.

Perhaps he's shown he can be a third line in stretches but he's shown he can be a 4th line/healthy scratch for much longer. Another year older won't help.

[Jiri Hrdina]

Would prefer he sees limited action as that probably means a youngster has stepped up