Flames' Lucic losing hope of NHL return this season

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Milan Lucic's hopes of returning to the ice this season are dwindling.

"The optimism of getting back sooner than later, it's not there like it was a couple weeks ago," the Calgary Flames enforcer told TSN's Jermain Franklin.

Lucic said he'd been "really excited" to potentially return to the playoffs after falling short in his last two years with the Edmonton Oilers.

When action was halted on March 12, the Flames held third place in the Pacific Division. Lucic added that he'd play in empty arenas during the postseason if that's what it takes.

"If it comes down to playing with no fans, because that's the only option, I'm definitely all-in for that," he said.

In any case, the NHL won't return to Calgary anytime soon, as the city has implemented a ban that prohibits large events, including pro sports games, until June 30. Meanwhile, the league has reportedly asked teams about arena availability in August.