Deciding on Curtis Lazar: A Valuable Asset for the Edmonton Oilers
In this installment of our series on players, coaches, and management facing decisions in the off-season, we focus on a thirty-one-year-old journeyman who returned to Edmonton, where his career began. Curtis Lazar, a former WHL Oil King and Memorial Cup champion, has played for several NHL teams, including Ottawa, Calgary, Buffalo, Boston, Vancouver, and New Jersey. Despite not matching his junior success in the pros, Lazar has been a reliable player, contributing 51 goals and 80 assists in 617 games, with 35 playoff appearances.
During his time with the Oilers, Lazar showcased his versatility by playing all forward positions, excelling on the penalty kill, and maintaining a high faceoff win percentage of 61.2%. Despite a knee injury affecting his speed, Lazar adapted and continued to contribute effectively on the ice. With a one-year contract at the league minimum salary, Lazar proved his worth as a valuable depth player for the team.
As a pending unrestricted free agent, the Oilers must decide whether to retain Lazar for another season. While he may not be a standout player, Lazar's commitment to the team, positive presence in the locker room, and community involvement set him apart. Although there are similar players available in the league, Lazar's connection to Edmonton and willingness to embrace his role make him a valuable asset for the team.
While concerns about blocking younger talent may arise, Lazar's understanding of his role as a thirteenth forward allows for flexibility in the lineup. He has shown the ability to perform well when called upon and can provide depth and experience to the team. As a reliable option for the Oilers, Lazar's contributions on and off the ice make him a valuable player worth keeping for the upcoming season.
In conclusion, Curtis Lazar's familiarity with Edmonton, team-first mentality, and willingness to embrace his role as a depth player make him a valuable asset for the Oilers. Despite being a player of a similar caliber available in the league, Lazar's connection to the team and community involvement set him apart as a valuable contributor to the roster. Retaining Lazar for another season could provide stability and depth to the team, making him a valuable asset for the upcoming season.