Curtis Lazar Bio
Curtis Lazar is a Canadian professional ice hockey player for the Edmonton Oilers of the National Hockey League (NHL). He was selected by the Ottawa Senators in the first round (17th overall) of the 2013 NHL Entry Draft. Lazar played his junior hockey with the Edmonton Oil Kings of the Western Hockey League (WHL), where he was team captain when they won the Memorial Cup in 2014.
Early Life and Background
Curtis Lazar was born on February 2, 1995, in Salmon Arm, British Columbia, Canada. He was raised in Vernon, British Columbia, as one of four children in the Lazar family. Growing up, Lazar was a fan of the Vancouver Canucks and idolized NHL stars Ryan Getzlaf and Joe Sakic. His early hockey development included taking a Greyhound bus to the Lower Mainland for youth games with the Vancouver Selects. Lazar’s talent became evident during his time at Pursuit of Excellence Prep, where he scored 57 goals and 115 points in just 51 games during the 2009–10 season. He also excelled at the 2010 John Reid Memorial Tournament, earning accolades such as tournament MVP and Top Forward.
Path to Hockey
Lazar’s journey in hockey began when he was selected second overall by the Edmonton Oil Kings in the 2010 WHL Bantam Draft. Due to his young age, he could only play a limited number of games initially. However, he quickly made an impact, recording his first WHL point in his rookie season and helping the Oil Kings win the Ed Chynoweth Cup in 2012. By the 2013–14 season, Lazar was the captain of the Oil Kings, leading them to another championship and winning the Memorial Cup. His performance during this period solidified his reputation as a top prospect, leading to his selection by the Ottawa Senators in the 2013 NHL Entry Draft.
Curtis Lazar Career
Early Career (2014–2017)
Lazar made his NHL debut on October 9, 2014, becoming the only teenager on the Ottawa Senators’ opening-night roster. He scored his first NHL goal on December 15, 2014, and finished his rookie season with six goals and 15 points in 67 games. The following seasons saw him struggle with consistency, but he continued to develop as a versatile player, often shifting between center and wing positions.
Breakthrough (2017–2021)
After being traded to the Calgary Flames in 2017, Lazar faced challenges in securing a regular spot in the lineup. He spent time in the AHL before being signed by the Buffalo Sabres in 2019. With the Sabres, Lazar began to find his footing, contributing significantly in the 2020–21 season. His performance led to a trade to the Boston Bruins, where he continued to establish himself as a reliable player.
Notable Works and Milestones
Lazar’s career has been marked by significant achievements, including winning the Memorial Cup and being recognized for his sportsmanship. He has played for multiple NHL teams and has shown resilience in overcoming challenges throughout his career.
Curtis Lazar Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Curtis Lazar has received recognition for his contributions on the ice, particularly during his junior career and early NHL seasons.
Curtis Lazar Awards Won
Lazar’s accolades include the George Parsons Trophy for the most sportsmanlike player during the Memorial Cup, showcasing his commitment to fair play and sportsmanship.
Curtis Lazar Family
Curtis Lazar is married and has two sons.
Personal Life
Lazar gained some notoriety during his rookie season for a humorous incident where he was hit by a hamburger thrown onto the ice during a game. This moment became a viral sensation, highlighting his lighthearted personality amidst the pressures of professional sports.
