Milan Lucic Joins Buffalo Sabres as Pro Scout After 17-Year NHL Career

In a surprising turn of events, former NHL player Milan Lucic has traded his skates for a scouting position with the Buffalo Sabres, marking an intriguing chapter in his post-playing career. The Sabres announced this development as part of a broader reshuffling within their front office on Tuesday, with Lucic stepping into the role of pro scout just weeks after hanging up his skates following a 17-year tenure in the league.

At 38, Lucic brings a wealth of experience to Buffalo, having spent his first eight seasons with the Boston Bruins, where he was a key player in their 2011 Stanley Cup victory. His time with the Bruins, however, was not without controversy, especially among Sabres fans who remember him as a fierce rival. A notorious incident in November 2011 saw Lucic deliver a hard hit to Sabres goalie Ryan Miller, leaving Miller sidelined with a neck injury. The hit sparked outrage, with Miller labeling Lucic as “gutless” for targeting a player significantly smaller than himself, a moment that still resonates with Sabres supporters.

The hiring of Lucic is part of a series of changes initiated by first-year general manager Jarmo Kekalainen. Alongside Lucic, the Sabres have made several notable promotions within their scouting and development teams. Stacy Roest, previously a pro scout, has been elevated to director of player personnel and will also serve as general manager for the Sabres’ minor league affiliate in Rochester.

Furthermore, Tim Kennedy, who has been a development coach for the Sabres, has been promoted to director of player development. He will be joined by Derek Dorsett, who has been hired as a forward development coach. Adding to the international reach of the team’s scouting efforts, former NHL player Jarkko Ruutu will take on the role of European development coach, reuniting with Kekalainen after their previous collaboration in Columbus.

Neil Komadoski rounds out the new additions, taking on the role of assistant director of pro scouting after a successful 16-year stint in a scouting capacity with the Vancouver Canucks. These strategic hires signal a new era for the Sabres as they look to build a competitive roster.

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.