Boston Bruins forward Milan Lucic made his appearance in Boston Municipal Court on Tuesday morning, following his arrest over the weekend for a domestic incident involving his wife. Lucic, a 17-year NHL veteran, pleaded not guilty to a charge of assault and battery on a family member during the court hearing.

Sporting a black suit, a black tie, and a white dress shirt, Lucic was accompanied by court officers as he entered the hearing room. Prosecutors presented the facts and circumstances of the arrest, detailing the incident that took place at 50 Battery Street in Boston.

According to a Boston Police Department report, officers responded to a report of an assault and battery just after 1 a.m. on Saturday. Lucic's wife alleged that he had attempted to choke her after returning home from a night of drinking and becoming agitated when he couldn't find his cell phone. She claimed that when she couldn't provide information about the missing phone, Lucic grabbed her hair and pulled it backward.

While the victim showed signs of redness on her chest, she clarified that Lucic did not attempt to strangle her during the incident. Upon arriving at Lucic's apartment, officers noted his intoxicated state and discovered a broken lamp on a nightstand, along with shards of glass on the bedroom floor.

Lucic, who had previously announced an indefinite leave of absence from the Boston Bruins following the "situation," was taken into custody without incident once informed of the allegations against him.

The Boston Bruins issued a statement expressing their support for the Lucic family and emphasizing their commitment to providing any necessary assistance. Bruins head coach Jim Montgomery, addressing the media before the team's game against the Montreal Canadiens, underscored the seriousness with which the organization regards such matters and the care they have for each other as a team.

Drafted by the Bruins in the 2nd round of the 2006 NHL Entry Draft, Lucic spent the majority of his career in Boston before playing for the Los Angeles Kings, Edmonton Oilers, and Calgary Flames. He returned to the Boston Bruins on a one-year, $1,000,000 deal this summer, with hopes of ending his career where it began.

As part of his bail conditions, Lucic is required to abstain from consuming alcohol until the case is resolved. His next court date is set for January 19, 2024.