Curtis Lazar Bio
Curtis Lazar is a Canadian professional ice hockey player who serves as a forward for the Edmonton Oilers of the National Hockey League (NHL). Born on February 2, 1995, in Salmon Arm, British Columbia, Lazar was selected by the Ottawa Senators in the first round, 17th overall, during the 2013 NHL Entry Draft. He developed his junior career with the Edmonton Oil Kings of the Western Hockey League (WHL), where he captained the team to a Memorial Cup championship in 2014 and earned the George Parsons Trophy as the tournament’s most sportsmanlike player. Over his NHL career spanning more than a decade, Lazar has played for seven different organizations, developing a reputation as a versatile two-way forward capable of contributing at both center and wing positions.
Early Life and Background
Curtis Lazar was born in Salmon Arm, British Columbia, and grew up in Vernon as one of four children raised by Dave and Karen Lazar. Because his three siblings also required transportation to youth hockey games, Lazar’s parents arranged for him to take a Greyhound Lines bus to the Lower Mainland to play for the Vancouver Selects. This early independence fostered his dedication to the sport from a young age. As a youth, Lazar cheered for the Vancouver Canucks of the NHL, and his favorite player was Ryan Getzlaf while he idolized Joe Sakic.
During the 2009-10 season as captain of the Pursuit of Excellence Prep hockey team, Lazar delivered an exceptional performance, scoring 57 goals and 115 points in 51 games. At the 2010 John Reid Memorial Tournament, a prestigious minor hockey event in Western Canada, he recorded nine goals and 15 points across five games. His outstanding play earned him the tournament MVP award, Top Forward honors, and an All-Star selection. For his remarkable season, Lazar received the 2010 Hockey Now/BC Hockey Hall of Fame Minor Hockey Player Achievement Award.
Prior to joining major junior hockey, Lazar spent the 2010-11 season at Okanagan Hockey Academy, compiling 58 points in 45 under-18 games along with nine points in six Canadian Sport School Hockey League contests. He also captained Team British Columbia at the 2011 Canada Winter Games, leading the squad to a gold medal with 12 goals and 17 points, including back-to-back hat-tricks. His offensive output at the Games surpassed Steven Stamkos’s goals record and Sidney Crosby’s points record for the tournament.
Path to Hockey
The Edmonton Oil Kings selected Lazar second overall in the 2010 WHL Bantam Draft. Due to his young age of 15 when he signed, he was only eligible to play five games for the Oil Kings before the 2010-11 Okanagan season concluded. He received his first call-up to Edmonton on December 7, 2010, appearing in two games against the Calgary Hitmen and Kelowna Rockets before being returned to Okanagan. Lazar recorded his first WHL point in the final game of the Oil Kings’ regular season, assisting on T. J. Foster’s goal against Darcy Kuemper of the Red Deer Rebels. He also scored his first WHL playoff goal during an elimination game, providing Edmonton their lone tally in a 5-1 loss.
Curtis Lazar Career
Junior Career (2011-2014)
Following his limited 2010-11 campaign, Lazar joined the Oil Kings for a full rookie season in 2011-12. By the holiday break, he had already contributed 10 goals during a 11-game winning streak the team carried into Christmas. He completed the regular season with 20 goals and 31 points in 63 games, then continued his strong play in the playoffs with seven points in his first four postseason games. Those contributions helped the Oil Kings sweep the Kootenay Ice in the first round, marking Edmonton’s first playoff series victory in their modern era. After defeating the Brandon Wheat Kings and Moose Jaw Warriors, the Oil Kings captured the Ed Chynoweth Cup by beating the Portland Winterhawks in the championship series. Lazar finished as Edmonton’s leading playoff scorer with eight goals and 19 points in 20 games. The Oil Kings advanced to the 2012 Memorial Cup but were eliminated in the tiebreaker game against the Shawinigan Cataractes. At Edmonton’s end-of-season banquet, Lazar and Martin Gernat were named the team’s top rookies.
Ottawa Senators Era (2014-2017)
Lazar entered the 2012-13 season as an alternate captain for the Oil Kings behind Griffin Reinhart. He represented Team WHL at the 2012 Subway Super Series and participated in the 2013 CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game as a member of Team Orr. On January 13, 2013, he recorded his first WHL natural hat-trick, scoring every goal in a 3-0 shutout victory over the Medicine Hat Tigers. Lazar finished the regular season as Edmonton’s scoring leader with 38 goals and 61 points, along with a plus-25 rating. The Oil Kings came within one game of repeating as champions but fell to the Winterhawks in Game 7 of the championship series. Following the season, the NHL Central Scouting Bureau ranked Lazar as the No. 20 draft-eligible North American skater, and the Ottawa Senators selected him 17th overall at the 2013 NHL Entry Draft. He signed his entry-level contract with Ottawa on September 17, 2013.
Returning to the Oil Kings as captain for the 2013-14 season, Lazar missed the first four games while attending Senators training camp but immediately produced upon his return, recording eight goals and seven assists through his first seven contests. He captained Team WHL again at the Subway Super Series in 2013. Despite missing additional games in December for international duty, he returned in January and continued his scoring tear, including another natural hat-trick against the Regina Pats on January 22. Lazar completed the regular season as Edmonton’s leading scorer with 41 goals and 76 points in 58 games. He earned the inaugural Kristians Pelss Oil Kings award, given to the player who best exemplifies the team on and off the ice, and was named to the WHL Eastern Conference First All-Star Team. In the playoffs, he added 10 goals and 22 points in 21 games as the Oil Kings captured their second consecutive Ed Chynoweth Cup. During the Memorial Cup semifinals, Lazar scored in triple overtime against the Val-d’Or Foreurs to win 3-2, ending the longest game in tournament history. Edmonton defeated the Guelph Storm 6-3 in the championship game, and Lazar received the George Parsons Trophy as the most sportsmanlike player in the tournament.
At 19 years old, Lazar was the only teenager on the Senators’ 2014-15 opening-night roster. He made his NHL debut on October 9, 2014, in Ottawa’s 3-2 loss to the Nashville Predators. Playing alongside fellow rookies Mike Hoffman and Mark Stone, the trio became known as the “Kids Line.” Senators coach Paul MacLean was impressed enough to retain Lazar beyond the 10-game threshold that would have allowed his return to junior hockey without burning a year of his entry-level contract. Lazar scored his first NHL goal on December 15 in a shootout loss to the Buffalo Sabres. He finished his rookie season with six goals and 15 points in 67 games.
During the 2015-16 season, Lazar shifted between center and wing positions to accommodate veterans Jean-Gabriel Pageau and Zack Smith. He appeared in all 12 forward slots within the first 14 games and even told reporters he would play defense if needed. Despite his versatility, scoring proved challenging, and he began reviewing video from his Oil Kings days to address his struggles. He finally ended a 26-game scoring drought on January 13, scoring the Senators’ only goal in a 4-1 loss to the Anaheim Ducks. Overall, he recorded six goals and 20 points in 76 games, showing only modest improvement from his rookie campaign.
Lazar contracted mononucleosis before the 2016-17 training camp, causing him to begin the season with the Binghamton Senators in the American Hockey League (AHL). After scoring three goals in 13 AHL games, he was recalled to Ottawa on November 19 to help the team through injuries. The missed preparation time made it difficult for him to establish himself, and he recorded only one assist in 33 NHL games. Veteran acquisitions limited his opportunities, and he was a healthy scratch for five of his final nine games with Ottawa. On March 1, 2017, the Senators traded Lazar and Michael Kostka to the Calgary Flames for Jyrki Jokipakka and a second-round draft pick.
Calgary Flames (2017-2019)
Lazar was a healthy scratch for his first seven games with Calgary as coach Glen Gulutzan preferred to maintain a successful lineup. He finally entered the lineup on March 19 when Micheal Ferland was placed under observation for the mumps, contributing to a 5-2 victory over the Los Angeles Kings. He appeared in only four regular season games after the trade, scoring one goal and two assists. When the Flames faced elimination in the first round of the 2017 Stanley Cup playoffs against the Anaheim Ducks, Lazar drew into the lineup but could not prevent Calgary’s elimination.
As a restricted free agent following the season, Lazar signed a two-year, $1.9 million contract extension with the Flames on July 14, 2017. He began the 2017-18 season on a line with fellow former first-round picks Mark Jankowski and Sam Bennett. By late January, however, Gulutzan reassigned him to the fourth line with Matt Stajan and Ryan Lomberg. It was with that group that Lazar scored his first goal of the season, capitalizing on a misstep by New York Rangers goaltender Henrik Lundqvist to tie the game, though Calgary ultimately lost 4-3. Playing a steadier fourth-line role reduced his healthy scratches in the second half. He finished with two goals and 12 points in 65 games, and the Flames missed the 2018 Stanley Cup playoffs following a losing stretch caused by goaltender Mike Smith’s injury.
At the start of the 2018-19 season, the Flames placed Lazar on waivers. When he went unclaimed, he was assigned to the Stockton Heat, Calgary’s AHL affiliate. Lazar embraced the demotion, believing more consistent playing time would benefit his development better than serving as a healthy scratch in the NHL. His performance improved significantly with regular ice time: by midseason, he ranked fourth on the Heat with 14 goals and 33 points in 42 games, earning an invitation to the 2019 AHL All-Star Classic. Calgary recalled him on February 15, 2019, at which point he had 16 goals and 36 points in the AHL. He spent most of the call-up as a healthy scratch and was returned to Stockton three weeks later, though illnesses and injuries in mid-March created another opportunity. He appeared in only one NHL game that season but finished with 20 goals and 41 points in 57 AHL contests. The Flames did not extend a qualifying offer at season’s end, making him an unrestricted free agent.
Buffalo Sabres (2019-2021)
The Buffalo Sabres signed Lazar to a one-year, $700,000 contract on July 1, 2019. He was among the team’s final cuts before the 2019-20 season opener and began the year with the Rochester Americans, Buffalo’s AHL affiliate. He secured a regular role with Rochester before eventually earning a promotion to the NHL roster.
Lazar signed a two-year, $1.6 million contract extension with the Sabres on September 24, 2020. During the pandemic-delayed 2020-21 season, he remained with Buffalo and established himself in a third-line role, contributing five goals and nine points in 33 regular season games. The Sabres struggled near the bottom of the standings and were out of playoff contention.
On April 11, 2021, Buffalo traded Lazar alongside Taylor Hall to the Boston Bruins in exchange for Anders Bjork and a 2021 second-round draft pick. The trade provided Lazar with an opportunity to join a competitive roster for the stretch run of the season.
Boston Bruins (2021-2022)
With the Bruins, Lazar re-established himself within the NHL and provided depth as a versatile forward capable of playing multiple positions. His tenure in Boston allowed him to continue developing his two-way game while contributing to a team with playoff aspirations.
Vancouver Canucks (2022-2023)
Following his time with the Bruins, Lazar signed as a free agent with the Vancouver Canucks on July 13, 2022, agreeing to a three-year, $3 million contract. This move brought him back to British Columbia, the region where he grew up and developed his early hockey career. Playing for the Canucks allowed him to compete in front of家乡 fans and contribute to a team in the Pacific Division.
During his single season with Vancouver, Lazar served as a versatile depth forward. On March 3, 2023, the Canucks traded him to the New Jersey Devils in exchange for a fourth-round pick in the 2024 NHL Entry Draft.
New Jersey Devils (2023-2025)
Lazar joined the Devils and continued his career as a dependable bottom-six forward. His ability to play both center and wing provided valuable roster flexibility for New Jersey. He maintained his reputation as a responsible two-way player while contributing to the team’s forward depth.
Edmonton Oilers (2025-Present)
The Edmonton Oilers signed Lazar as a free agent to a one-year, $775,000 contract for the 2025-26 season on July 2, 2025. This signing brought Lazar full circle, returning to the organization where he developed as a junior player and won a Memorial Cup as captain in 2014. Playing for the Oilers marks a homecoming to his original WHL team and provides an opportunity to contribute to a Stanley Cup contender in the later stages of his career.
Driving Style and Strengths
Lazar has built his NHL career as a versatile two-way forward capable of playing both center and wing positions. His adaptability has allowed him to fit into various line combinations throughout his career. Known for his responsible defensive play and ability to win puck battles along the boards, he has earned a reputation as a reliable team player. His grittiness and willingness to play a physical brand of hockey have made him a valuable depth player for multiple organizations.
Notable Events and Milestones
The most memorable moment of Lazar’s early career occurred during his rookie season with the Senators when a hamburger was thrown onto the ice during a game against the Boston Bruins. The tradition was linked to goaltender Andrew Hammond, nicknamed “The Hamburglar.” The burger struck Lazar as he sat on the Senators’ bench, and he famously ate it, a moment that went viral and remains one of the more lighthearted stories from his career. Several years later, Lazar clarified that the hamburger was fully wrapped when it hit him. In junior hockey, his triple-overtime goal against the Val-d’Or Foreurs in the 2014 Memorial Cup semifinals ended the longest game in tournament history and propelled the Oil Kings to the championship.
Curtis Lazar Career Wins
Throughout his career, Lazar has accumulated significant championship experience at the junior level while contributing as a depth forward at the NHL level. His most notable achievements came during his time with the Edmonton Oil Kings, where he played a central role in two WHL championships and one Memorial Cup victory.
Junior Highlights
Lazar’s most successful period came during his four seasons with the Edmonton Oil Kings in the WHL. He was instrumental in leading the team to back-to-back Ed Chynoweth Cup championships in 2012 and 2014. During the 2014 Memorial Cup, he scored the game-winning goal in triple overtime during the semifinals against the Val-d’Or Foreurs in the longest game in tournament history. He capped off that tournament by earning the George Parsons Trophy as the most sportsmanlike player. His leadership was evident when he served as team captain during the 2013-14 season, recording a team-leading 41 goals and 76 points while guiding Edmonton to its second consecutive championship.
Other Wins and Performances
At the international level, Lazar captained Team British Columbia to a gold medal at the 2011 Canada Winter Games. His 12 goals and 17 points at those Games surpassed previous records set by Steven Stamkos and Sidney Crosby. At the 2010 John Reid Memorial Tournament, he earned MVP, Top Forward, and All-Star honors while leading his team to success.
Curtis Lazar Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Curtis Lazar was raised in Vernon, British Columbia, by his parents Dave and Karen Lazar. He grew up as one of four children in the Lazar household. His parents supported his hockey ambitions by arranging transportation for him to play with the Vancouver Selects in the Lower Mainland, even having young Curtis travel by Greyhound bus to participate in games. This family support proved foundational to his development as a hockey player.
Personal Life
Curtis Lazar is married and has two sons. During his rookie NHL season with the Ottawa Senators, Lazar gained unexpected internet fame when a hamburger thrown onto the ice during a game against the Boston Bruins struck him on the bench. Rather than discarding it, he ate the burger, and the moment quickly spread across social media as part of the “Hamburglar” celebration tradition honoring goaltender Andrew Hammond. Lazar has maintained a relatively private personal life while building a professional career that has taken him across North America through multiple NHL organizations.
2025 Season Performance
Curtis Lazar enters the 2025-26 season with the Edmonton Oilers following his signing on July 2, 2025. This homecoming to Edmonton marks a significant chapter in his career, as he returns to the organization where he developed as a junior player and won a Memorial Cup as captain in 2014. The Oilers, a perennial Stanley Cup contender, provide Lazar with an opportunity to contribute to a winning team in the twilight of his career while drawing on his championship experience from his time with the Oil Kings.
Lazar’s role with the Oilers projects as a depth forward capable of playing multiple positions across the lineup. His veteran experience from playing over 500 NHL games and his time with seven different organizations gives him valuable versatility and adaptability. The Oilers’ coaching staff will likely employ him in situational roles that leverage his responsible defensive play and two-way acumen. His ability to play both center and wing provides additional roster flexibility, allowing the team to adjust lines based on matchups and injuries.
The momentum surrounding Lazar’s signing reflects both his continued NHL viability and his appeal as a low-risk, high-character addition to a contender. Having demonstrated throughout his career the ability to fit into various systems and team cultures, Lazar appears well-positioned to contribute meaningfully to the Oilers’ pursuit of postseason success. His championship pedigree from his junior career and his reputation as a reliable team player should benefit a young Oilers roster looking to make a deep playoff run.