Chiarelli expects Lucic to be back - and better

Milan Lucic - and his massive contract - may be staying put, Edmonton Oilers general manager Peter Chiarelli told reporters on Thursday.

Lucic, who posted just 34 points in 82 games this past season, has been the subject of trade rumours, in large part due to an albatross contract which still owes the power forward $30 million over the next five years. However, Chiarelli says his confidence level in Lucic is "pretty high."

"I think Milan’s a pretty high-character individual. He has to have a good summer," the GM said in Dallas ahead of the NHL draft. "Really, conditioning for him is not really an issue. He has to be in the right frame of mind. He’s a proud guy and we expect to have him back at a better level than he was last year.”

Asked if Lucic has requested a trade out of Edmonton, Chiarelli was tight-lipped: "I'm not going to comment on that."

Since signing with the Oilers in 2015 via free agency, Lucic has recorded 33 goals and 51 assists for 84 points in 164 games. He previously played for the Boston Bruins and Los Angeles Kings.