Curtis Lazar traded to Calgary Flames

All rumours have been put to rest on trade deadline day, as Curtis Lazar will join Alex Chiasson and Dave Cameron in Calgary. Ottawa also includes AHL defenseman Michael Kostka in the trade, and coming back to Ottawa is a 2017 2nd round pick and defenseman Jyrki Jokipakka.

It would be an understatement to say that Lazar’s season in 2016-17 has been underwhelming. A former first round pick in 2013, Lazar had high expectations coming out of junior. He led the Edmonton Oil Kings to the Memorial Cup in 2014, and captained Team Canada to gold at the World Junior Championships in 2015. In 2014-15, he along with Pageau and Condra were a key part of the Sens’ miracle run to the 2015 playoffs. He’s only gone down since then, having only scored a single assist in 33 games this season. At only 22 years of age, Lazar’s future production could still change.

The 31-year-old Michael Kostka, also going to Calgary, has been on the decline all year. As Binghamton’s only right shot defenseman to log regular minutes, he has one goal and twelve points for the B-Sens in 46 games this season.

Coming back to the Sens is a 2nd round pick in 2017, which has long been rumoured to be the return for Lazar. The other piece is defenseman Jyrki Jokipakka, who had just cleared waivers yesterday. Originally drafted by Dallas in the 7th round of the 2011 draft, he has one goal and six points in 38 games for the Flames this season. He plays on the left side, which should pose further competition for Fredrik Claesson and Mark Borowiecki.

Lazar will be missed in Ottawa, and we wish him the best of luck in Calgary! Keep smilin’!