This past summer, Milan Lucic experienced one of the most tumultuous off-seasons that an athlete can ever face as a professional.



Before he was traded to the Los Angeles Kings back on Draft Day in June, Lucic and his family were dealt the crushing news about the passing of their father, who died unexpectedly in April back home in Vancouver. There were few details given as to what caused his father’s death, up until last night.

Speaking with Sportsnet in an exclusive interview that aired during Hockey Night In Canada, Lucic revealed that his father’s death was actually a suicide. More than six months later, Lucic is still working to cope with the loss of his #1 fan, but he’s found strength in the support of his wife and his caring for their two daughters.

After a rocky start to his tenure as a King, the 27-year-old Lucic has come into his own in Los Angeles recently. Looch has four goals and five assists for nine total points in 16 games this season, while his 58 total hits is sixth-best in the NHL. He’s set to become an unrestricted free agent next summer and will be looking to hit the jackpot on the open market, which will certainly come if he continues to produce at a high level through the rest of the season.

We hope Lucic all the best this season, and we're counting down the days until he makes his return to the Garden on February 9.