Latest news with #CurtisLazar
Time of India
04-07-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
NHL trade news: Edmonton Oilers sign veteran forward Curtis Lazar to $775K deal in 2024 free agency return
Veteran forward Curtis Lazar rejoins Edmonton (Image via: Getty Images) Veteran forward Curtis Lazar is heading back to Edmonton, this time in an NHL jersey. The Oilers have signed the 30-year-old to a one-year, $775,000 contract during the 2024 NHL free agency period, bringing the former WHL standout full circle as he returns to the city where his junior hockey journey first began. Curtis Lazar signs one-year, $775K deal to join Edmonton Oilers The Edmonton Oilers' decision to bring in Curtis Lazar is more than a feel-good reunion. It's a calculated depth move ahead of the 2024–25 NHL season. Lazar, originally drafted 17th overall by the Ottawa Senators in 2013, spent five seasons with the Edmonton Oil Kings in the WHL, winning a Memorial Cup and WHL Championship before turning pro. Now, more than a decade later, Lazar brings veteran presence, playoff experience, and two-way versatility to a team looking to maintain its Stanley Cup contention status. Known for his high work ethic and defensive responsibility, Lazar is expected to fill a fourth-line forward role under head coach Kris Knoblauch. The 2023–24 NHL season wasn't kind to Lazar. Playing for the New Jersey Devils, he battled through injuries and recorded just 2 goals and 3 assists in 48 games. However, the Oilers see upside in his ability to contribute in penalty-killing situations, win board battles, and provide leadership in the locker room. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Brain tumor has left my son feeling miserable; please help! Donate For Health Donate Now Undo What makes this reunion even more meaningful is the support Lazar is already receiving from the Oilers' locker room. Connor McDavid, who served under Lazar's captaincy during the 2015 IIHF World Juniors, was one of the first to welcome him back. Current Oilers Trent Frederic and Vasily Podkolzin also reached out, signaling strong chemistry ahead. Also Read: Edmonton Oilers sign Andrew Mangiapane to $7.2M deal after Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl recruitment push Lazar has played 572 NHL games across seven franchises, including the Flames, Bruins, Sabres, and Canucks. His return to Edmonton offers a fresh opportunity to stabilize his career in a familiar setting. While he's unlikely to see top-line minutes, his signing adds much-needed depth and flexibility to an Oilers roster that's looking to build sustainable success in the 2024–25 season. For real-time updates, scores, and highlights, follow our live coverage of the India vs England Test match here . Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
New York Times
04-07-2025
- Sport
- New York Times
How free agency has impacted Edmonton Oilers' roster construction for 2025-26
The early days of free agency this summer were fascinating because of what the Edmonton Oilers did and didn't do on July 1. Edmonton general manager Stan Bowman did not secure the best goalie on the market (Jake Allen). Multiple skill forwards were signed by other teams in the first hours of free agency. Advertisement The Oilers were quiet. Bowman freed up cap space when he dealt Viktor Arvidsson, but the first addition didn't arrive until late Tuesday night when left winger Andrew Mangiapane was added. On July 2, right-handed centre Curtis Lazar was signed. For a fan base used to loud noises on July 1 and 2, the Bowman pace was met with all manner of reactions. Some are disappointed there's no new goalie, others are wondering where the goals are going to come from on the wing, and still others are upset that no obvious replacement for Evander Kane's physical play was added on Day 1 of the free-agent frenzy. What does all of this mean for the 2025-26 roster? Making room for some, adding competition for others and finding a better fit on left wing for the second line. The Oilers were overstocked on right wingers, so trading Arvidsson plus walking Connor Brown and Corey Perry in free agency means a new look at the position in 2025-26. Zach Hyman will be back to play on the No. 1 line with Connor McDavid, but the rest of the current depth chart suggests a younger, faster group. Matt Savoie is coming off a strong rookie pro season with the AHL Bakersfield Condors and looked good alongside Leon Draisaitl during a three-game audition during the 2024-25 season. In 32 minutes at five-on-five with the big centre, Savoie delivered a nice assist to set up Draisaitl, and the line had a 50 percent goal share. No guarantees for Savoie, but the opening has been created by management. David Tomasek is a wild card at right wing (and at centre) for next season. He signed as a free agent at 29 after an exceptional season in the SweHL, where he led the league in points. He scored well at even strength (11-23-34 in 57 games, 2.9 points per 60) and helped outscore opponents in the discipline (41-35). Tomasek also played extensively on the power play (8-10-18 averaging almost three minutes per game) and may give the Oilers a different look on the second power-play unit. The even-strength totals are most impressive, but training camp will show his foot speed and ability to play without the puck against NHL opponents. Advertisement If Savoie and Tomasek both fail in efforts to make second- or third-line right wing, expect coach Kris Knoblauch to look for veteran left wingers Mangiapane, Trent Frederic or Vasily Podkolzin to move over to their off-side. Lazar is a right-handed centre with plus speed and penalty-killing experience. He had a poor year in five-on-five scoring (0.67 points per 60, down from 1.61 in 2023-24), and that could be a sign that the 30-year-old has hit the wall in this area and won't bring enough offence to hold a roster spot. His contract is a minimal investment and gives Noah Philp (and others) competition for the No. 4 centre job. There are other areas of the roster that have strong competition (wings, No. 7 defence) but the Oilers' penalty kill could use a boost, and it's in this area that Lazar may have his best chance to win a job out of camp. Last summer, the Oilers made free-agent bets on Arvidsson and Jeff Skinner. The verbal at the time surrounded finally having the opportunity to secure quality linemates for Draisaitl on the second line. To say it didn't work is an understatement. Draisaitl rolled merrily along (as he always does) with other linemates (mostly Podkolzin and Perry) and delivered another exceptional season. The big man scored 1.62 goals per 60 at five-on-five when playing with Connor McDavid, and 0.93 goals away from the captain (1.17 overall), so the damage to Draisaitl from the failed Skinner-Arvidsson experiment should be considered minimal. Bowman adding Mangiapane gives the Oilers a goal scorer (0.71 goals per 60 at five-on-five last season) and a good style fit (Mangiapane is aggressive on the forecheck and will go to tough areas). Mangiapane's 2024-25 season with the Washington Capitals featured a wide range of five-on-five scoring results. He scored just 0.15 goals per 60 in heavy minutes (403) with Lars Eller as his centre, while hammering at a 1.4 goals per 60 clip with Nic Dowd in 214 minutes. Advertisement Taking out the Eller minutes, Mangiapane scored 1.16 goals per 60 at five-on-five for the Capitals in 2024-25. That total would have ranked second to Draisaitl on the Oilers last season. Mangiapane with Draisaitl should work well. It's a better bet than Skinner or Arvidsson based on age and playing style. Fans will be upset about goaltending in Edmonton until management finds a solution. Did Bowman cast about this offseason and come to the same conclusion as Ken Holland? It's unlikely. Bowman may well want to find an upgrade, but found free-agent and trade prices too dear. No team is going to give the Oilers a helping hand, and that means waiting for an opportunity. Edmonton may hire a 'goalie whisperer' to improve Stuart Skinner's performance to the point the organization is confident in running the big man for a fourth straight playoff run. Or a trade happens before training camp. Either way, if it's an issue, Edmonton must make a bold move at the deadline. Bowman made room for Savoie (and Tomasek) while also finding Draisaitl's possible ideal winger. NHL teams run forward lines in pairs and then add a third based on complementary players who fill a specific need. If Draisaitl and Mangiapane can find some magic together, the Oilers will have accomplished much in the early hours of free agency in 2025. Lazar is a solid small bet. If there's another loud noise this summer, it's a goalie. (Photo of Andrew Mangiapane: Bruce Bennett / Getty Images)
New York Times
04-07-2025
- Sport
- New York Times
Looking at the Edmonton Oilers' depth chart so far this offseason
The Edmonton Oilers have not unequivocally improved so far this offseason, but at least they've left themselves some wiggle room to do so soon. The depth chart looks sparser than it did a couple weeks ago, though sensible options with upgrade potential are at the ready to act as replacements. Gone are Evander Kane, Viktor Arvidsson and Jeff Skinner, three wingers who got time in the top nine and had some success, even if limited. Also out are wingers Corey Perry and Connor Brown, two impactful veterans who played up and down the lineup. John Klingberg, one of the regular eight defencemen, has moved on, too. Advertisement In their places are Andrew Mangiapane, Curtis Lazar, David Tomasek and Matt Savoie. Mangiapane, 29, is a one-time 35-goal scorer who was pushed down the lineup in his only season in Washington. Lazar and Tomasek give the Oilers right-handed faceoff options. Lazar, 30, is an ex-Edmonton Oil King who's shown he can play centre or wing. Tomasek, 29, was the top scorer in the Swedish league, closing in on his NHL debut. Savoie, 21, was already in-house as the team's best prospect and is about set to enter his second year in the pros. There were no additions made on the blue line to offset Klingberg's loss, but his deletion allows for Ty Emberson to regain his place in the lineup after he became an afterthought midway through the second round. Emberson, 25, signed a two-year contract before the playoffs. This depth chart doesn't include centre Noah Philp or left winger Max Jones, fourth-line options who have cap hits of $775,000 and $1 million, respectively. The Oilers shouldn't need to carry a 14th forward as they attempt to accrue cap space, but both players are waiver-eligible. Another impressive training camp from Philp — he had a performance last fall worthy of making the team — and it might behoove the Oilers to keep him on the season-opening roster. That could take up most of that available space, though Tomasek and Savoie are exempt from waivers. They can be sent to Bakersfield in a pinch if needed to offset the addition of Philp or another forward. The defence corps is set entering the season, barring an unexpected offseason injury or a sudden change of heart by general manager Stan Bowman. If anything, Bowman said, there will be conversations later in the summer to extend the contracts of Mattias Ekholm, Jake Walman and Brett Kulak. All are entering the final year of their deals. Advertisement The most obvious place to potentially augment the roster remains between the pipes. Bowman said multiple times heading into free agency that he wasn't committed to finding a replacement for one of Stuart Skinner or Calvin Pickard. He's opted for the status quo through the first few days of free agency. There's a high likelihood the Oilers take this goaltending tandem into the training camp now, with the door open to find an in-season enhancement. The Oilers could also use a boost up front. They have three bona-fide top-six forwards — Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl and Zach Hyman — and opinions vary on whether to include Ryan Nugent-Hopkins in that group. Nugent-Hopkins, though an important and versatile player, had just nine goals and 21 points at five-on-five in 78 games last season. He might be better served as the third-line centre. Whether someone like Adam Henrique replaces Nugent-Hopkins on one of the top two lines, the Oilers still need a couple of players to step up in a scoring role. Options consist of Mangiapane, Savoie, Trent Frederic, Vasily Podkolzin and Kasperi Kapanen. Frederic is expected to get a run at centre early in the season. The Oilers bringing in at least one top-six winger before next year's trade deadline is something to watch out for.
Yahoo
03-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
NHL News: Devils Lose Forward To Oilers
Curtis Lazar's time with the New Jersey Devils has officially come to an end. The Edmonton Oilers have announced that they have signed Lazar to a one-year, $775,000 contract for the 2025-26 season. It is not necessarily surprising to see Lazar heading elsewhere. Devils general manager Tom Fitzgerald was honest following the team's early playoff exit that changes to the team's roster would be coming. Following this, Lazar was among the Devils from last season to become an unrestricted free agent (UFA), and he is now heading to Edmonton because of it. Advertisement Lazar, 30, posted two goals, five points, 107 hits, and a minus-6 rating in 48 games this past season with the Devils. In 123 games over three seasons in New Jersey, he had nine goals, 30 points, 300 hits, and a plus-3 rating. Lazar will now look to earn himself a spot in the Oilers' bottom six with a strong training camp. Overall, this is a low-risk move for Edmonton, and it will be intriguing to see how much of an impact Lazar makes with the Oilers from here. Devils Make Smart Move Signing Veteran Winger Devils Make Smart Move Signing Veteran Winger The New Jersey Devils are bringing in a veteran forward to their roster. Photo Credit: © Ed Mulholland-Imagn Images
Edmonton Journal
03-07-2025
- Business
- Edmonton Journal
Edmonton Oilers with last ditch plan to aquire most valuable asset of all, insider says
The Edmonton Oilers have already done much this summer, signing star d-man Evan Bouchard, moving out Viktor Arvidsson and Evander Kane for cap space and signing forwards Andrew Mangianpane and Curtis Lazar. Article content But they're still in pursuit of that most valuable of all assets in the modern NHL, cap space. At least it's the most valuable asset if you're a top team already, pressed up against the cap, and trying to figure out how you can upgrade your team both in the short term and the long term, such as the coming 2026 NHL trade deadline. Article content Article content Article content The Oilers are looking forward to that eventuality, hoping to build up cap space this season, as team insider Bob Stauffer, host of Oilers Now, described on today's show. Article content Article content Said Stauffer: 'The Oilers, I think, are gonna try to find a way to have a little bit of cap space from the opening day of the season. Right now, they got about $150,000, and I'm thinking they're gonna try to find a way to get in the $1.5 to $2 million range, and if they can do that, then it accrues during the course of the year and multiply it basically by four (at the time of the trade deadline), and away you go.' Article content Of course, Edmonton could get cap space by going with a tight roster as they did last year, limiting the number of players on the NHL roster to 20, 21 or 22, not the full 23-player complement. Article content It might be difficult to pull off that this season, as Ty Emberson or Troy Stecher would likely be scooped up if they were sent to the minors, meaning the team needs to go with seven d-men, and the same could well apply to forwards David Tomasek or Noah Philp. Edmonton could well go with a 22-man roster, with one extra forward and one extra d-man on the roster, but it's hard to imagine them running tighter than that. Article content Article content So how to find that extra cap space? Stauffer is talking about $1.35 to $1.85 million here. Article content If the Oilers traded Adam Henrique and his $3 million per salary and replaced him with a player earning $1 million per that would get the team an additional $2 million in cap space. But Henrique still has much to offer, and has even been talked about playing as a top line winger with Connor McDavid. Article content If Henrique was bought out, the Oilers would pay him $1 million this year and next year, bringing the team a $2 million cap saving this year, but an extra $1 million cap hit the following year, 2026-27. Article content Mattias Janmark makes $1.45 million this year and next. If he was traded, and replaced by a player making the NHL minimum such as Philp or Curtis Lazar, Edmonton would save $630,000 in cap hit this year and next year. Article content Of course, I can't read Stauffer's mind to know what the plan is — and maybe he only knows the goal of the plan and not the details — but the best bet for the Oilers would be to move out Janmark for a younger, more aggressive player. Article content Janmark has a 10-team no-trade list so moving him might be difficult, but not impossible. He still has value as checker and penalty killer, but his cap space is likely more valuable to the Oilers, especially as the Oilers accrue space as the season goes along, getting ready to bring in a top player early in the winter of 2026.
