Edmonton has officially brought Curtis Lazar back into the fold on a one-year, $775,000 deal—a strategic, low-risk move aimed at strengthening their depth and locker-room culture for the 2025‑26 campaign .
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🧩 Who Is Curtis Lazar – A Brief Overview
Background & Career
Drafted 17th overall by the Ottawa Senators in 2013, Lazar has since played in 572 NHL games, posting 47 goals and 78 assists (125 points) across six teams: Ottawa, Calgary, Buffalo, Boston, Vancouver, and New Jersey .
Last season with the Devils, he skated in 48 games and contributed 2 goals and 3 assists for 5 points .
He also counts 30 playoff appearances, shining as a gritty bottom‑six player .
Junior Legacy
A celebrated junior star, Lazar played for the Edmonton Oil Kings (WHL) from 2010 to 2014, capturing two WHL titles and the 2014 Memorial Cup . This move brings him full circle, returning to the city where he first emerged.
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🎯 Why This Signing Makes Sense for Edmonton
1. Depth & Versatility
Lazar brings experienced depth as a third-line center or wing, with past strengths in penalty killing and defensive reliability. He adds valuable flexibility to the lineup .
2. Locker-Room Presence
Across fan forums and professional circles, Lazar is consistently praised for his personality. A Reddit fan noted:
> “For a pretty infamous bust, he’s carved out quite a solid career at this point. Should hit NHL game #600 this year.”
HFBoards users also describe him as “Super likeable” and “top‑notch locker room guy” —attributes Stanley Cup contenders value.
3. Alpha Return on Minimal Risk
Edmonton retains five open roster slots, and Lazar’s contract (the NHL minimum) can be buried in the AHL if needed . For little financial investment, they secure seasoned support and good vibes.
4. Familiarity with the Franchise
The connection to the Oil Kings and an early career in Edmonton likely smooths integration. GM Stan Bowman emphasized that new faces inject fresh energy, and Lazar fits that mold .
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📋 Fit within a Reinforced Roster
Edmonton’s offseason has focused on maintaining its Stanley Cup push, revolving around McDavid and Draisaitl. Other key additions include:
Andrew Mangiapane (2-year deal, $3.6M AAV)
Evan Bouchard (4‑year extension, $10.5M AAV)
Kasperi Kapanen, Noah Philp, Riley Stillman, and Matt Tomkins complete the reshaped supporting cast
Departures include Connor Brown, Corey Perry, Viktor Arvidsson, and Evander Kane. Still, the Oilers remain confident—their core remains intact, complemented by new pieces integrated to strengthen team structure and chemistry .
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🔍 Outlook: What to Expect from Lazar
On Ice
Depth Role: Expect Lazar to slot into 3rd/4th lines, offering strong forechecking and defensive play. He’s no offensive dynamo, but he brings valuable situational awareness.
Health Watch: He battled a knee injury last year that hindered performance and required surgery. Fans and analysts hope a full recovery will help him regain form .
Off Ice
Leadership & Energy: Lazar’s infectious personality and sense of humor can uplift the dressing room—especially valuable during long playoff stretches.
Mentorship: As a veteran with 11 seasons under his belt, he can guide younger players navigating the rigors of NHL life.
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📝 Is This a Smart Move?
Yes—conditionally:
Risk vs. Reward: With just $775K on the roster, there’s minimal risk yet potential upside. If Lazar rediscovers his health and contributes in a structured role, Edmonton wins. If not, they can pivot without cap strain.
Roster Strategy: His signing follows a broader pattern—surrounding elite talent (McDavid, Draisaitl) with gritty, versatile complementary players.
Team Culture: His return deepens the connection between the NHL squad and Edmonton’s junior roots, a symbolic boost for the fanbase.
Points to monitor include his knee recovery at training camp and chemistry with other depth players. If successful, Lazar can help stabilize lines and add playoff-tested savvy.
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🔭 Final Thoughts
Curtis Lazar stands as a calculated, low-cost gamble—not aimed to shift the spotlight but to reinforce the team’s inner fabric. His history with the Oil Kings, seasoned NHL experience, and positive influence all make him a fitting addition to the Oilers’ championship toolbox.
It’s not glamorous, but building a Cup contender often hinges on overlooked signings like Lazar: tough, dependable, and unassuming. If he returns closer to his best, that $775K deal could deliver far more value than the cap hit suggests.
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For Milwaukee fans or those watching the battle from afar: this signing is subtle, but meaningful. It’s part of a broader team-building philosophy—acquire fit and function, not just flash—on the way to another serious Stanley Cup run.