Earlier today, the Ottawa Senators announced that rookie Curtis Lazar will be remaining with the team beyond the nine-game trial he’s been with them for to begin the 2014-15 campaign.
The #Sens have informed forward Curtis Lazar that he will remain with the team through his 10-game mark. #CongratsCurtis
— Ottawa Senators (@Senators) November 5, 2014
The 19 year-old Lazar, who has averaged 13:03 of ice time picking up three assists while dressing in nine games this season, will stick with the club and burn the first year of his entry level contract, rather than being returned to the Edmonton Oil Kings of the WHL.
Lazar’s sticking with the NHL club hurts his junior team, the WHL’s Edmonton Oil Kings, who have struggled offensively to start the season and would have looked for an offensive boost from a returning Lazar. The Sens rookie posted 21 points in 22 games with the Oil Kings last season during their march to a Memorial Cup title.
The next question facing the Senators when it comes to Lazar will be whether to keep the youngster with the club in December, or allow him to play in the World Junior Tournament for Team Canada. Lazar was part of the Canadian Junior Team in the 2014 Tournament.
Another key decision will need to be made when Curtis Lazar begins to approach 41 games on the Senators roster (either dressed or in the press box). If he achieves this, he will be granted a year of service time under the CBA leading to earlier eligibility for arbitration and unrestricted free agency.
As it stands though, the 19-year-old centre/wing looks to be making a home in Ottawa and having a place in the Senators top nine forward group.
Lazar was selected by the Senators in the first round, 17th overall, of the 2013 NHL Entry Draft.
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