The rumor mill continues to be busy as we approach tonight’s NHL Awards and Friday’s Entry Draft. This latest tidbit, however, has big implications for the first day of free agency next week.

According to Pierre LeBrun, former Bruin Milan Lucic will be hitting the open market come July 1 — a week from Friday. The Vancouver-born power forward spent the 2015-16 season with the Los Angeles Kings tallying 55 points (20 goals, 35 assists) in 81 games during his one year in Southern California. Lucic was sent to the Kings on Draft Day last year in exchange for LA’s first round pick, defenseman Colin Miller and goaltender Martin Jones, who was traded days later to San Jose for the Sharks’ 2016 first round pick and prospect Sean Kuraly.

Milan Lucic via text message says he’s headed to UFA market. No deal with Kings. Huge, huge name headed to July 1.

— Pierre LeBrun (@Real_ESPNLeBrun) June 22, 2016

A Lucic return to Boston would be highly unlikely, but this adds speculation that the 28-year-old will return to his birthplace of Vancouver and play for the Canucks.

During his 697 career games, Lucic has 397 points (159 goals, 258 assists) and 851 penalty minutes. While the numbers might not indicate a player worth $6 million from his previous contract, Lucic should see a raise as he hits the open market for the first time in his career.