BREAKING NEWS: St Louis Blues Left wing Milan Lucic has been Suspended from hockey activities by the NHL community as he was tested positive of….. See more

The NHL community was rocked today by shocking news involving veteran forward Milan Lucic, who has been officially suspended from all hockey-related activities after testing positive for a banned substance. The decision, confirmed by league officials late last night, has left fans and analysts stunned, as Lucic has long been recognized as one of the league’s toughest competitors and a respected veteran presence in the locker room.

According to sources close to the situation, the league’s rigorous testing program flagged Lucic during a recent round of random checks. The specific substance has not yet been disclosed by the NHL, but under league rules, any positive result triggers an automatic suspension pending further review and appeal.

The suspension comes as a massive blow for the St. Louis Blues, who signed Lucic to add grit, leadership, and depth to their roster. At 36, Lucic’s role on the ice may have shifted from being a top scorer to an enforcer and mentor, but his impact has been invaluable to a team still working to re-establish itself as a playoff contender. Losing him at this juncture leaves a noticeable void in both physical presence and veteran leadership.

Blues General Manager Doug Armstrong released a brief statement expressing the organization’s disappointment.

“We are aware of the NHL’s decision to suspend Milan Lucic following a positive test. As an organization, we respect the league’s policies and procedures. While this news is difficult, we will support Milan as he works through the appeal process and continue to focus on moving forward as a team,” Armstrong said.

Lucic, through his representatives, responded with a statement of his own, denying any intentional wrongdoing.

“I have always taken pride in competing with integrity and respecting the game of hockey. I am shocked by this result and want to make it clear that I have never knowingly used any banned substance. I will be appealing this decision and working to clear my name,” Lucic said.

Reactions from the NHL community have been mixed. Fans of the Blues voiced both disappointment and sympathy, with many taking to social media to express support for the veteran. Some former players also came to Lucic’s defense, noting that false positives and accidental ingestion of restricted supplements have occurred in the past under the league’s strict program.

Meanwhile, analysts have already begun speculating on the implications for the Blues’ season. Without Lucic, the team loses an experienced forward capable of delivering physicality in high-pressure moments—a role few players can replicate. Younger skaters on the roster will now face the challenge of stepping into a tougher role both on and off the ice.

The NHL has not yet announced the length of Lucic’s suspension, which will depend on the outcome of the ongoing review and any appeal filed by his camp.

For now, the situation serves as a reminder of the league’s zero-tolerance approach and the risks all players face under strict testing protocols. Whether Lucic’s name can be cleared remains to be seen, but his absence will undoubtedly be felt in the St. Louis Blues’ pursuit of stability and success this season.