Curtis Lazar Bio
Curtis Lazar is a Canadian professional ice hockey player currently serving as a forward for the Edmonton Oilers of the National Hockey League (NHL). The Salmon Arm, British Columbia native was selected by the Ottawa Senators in the first round, 17th overall, during the 2013 NHL Entry Draft. Lazar built his reputation as a versatile two-way forward who can play both center and wing positions while maintaining a strong work ethic and team-first mentality throughout his career. His journey from junior hockey champion to NHL regular has included stops with six different NHL franchises before returning to Edmonton in 2025.
Early Life and Background
Curtis Lazar was born on February 2, 1995, in Salmon Arm, British Columbia, and grew up in Vernon as one of four children raised by Dave and Karen Lazar. His parents prioritized their children’s athletic pursuits, arranging for young Curtis to travel by Greyhound bus to the Lower Mainland for youth hockey games with the Vancouver Selects program. Growing up, Lazar cheered for the Vancouver Canucks and cited Ryan Getzlaf as his favorite NHL player while idolizing Joe Sakic.
As captain of the Pursuit of Excellence Prep hockey team during the 2009-10 season, Lazar delivered an exceptional performance, scoring 57 goals and 115 points across 51 games. His standout play at the 2010 John Reid Memorial Tournament earned him MVP honors, Top Forward recognition, and an All-Star selection after recording nine goals and 15 points in five games. These achievements led to him receiving the 2010 Hockey Now/BC Hockey Hall of Fame Minor Hockey Player Achievement Award. Lazar then spent the 2010-11 season at Okanagan Hockey Academy, compiling 58 points in 45 under-18 games and nine points in six Canadian Sport School Hockey League contests.
Lazar further distinguished himself by captaining Team British Columbia to a gold medal at the 2011 Canada Winter Games, where he recorded 12 goals and 17 points including back-to-back hat-tricks. His tournament performance surpassed Steven Stamkos’s previous goals record and Sidney Crosby’s points record for the event, signaling his potential as an elite prospect.
Path to Hockey
The Edmonton Oil Kings of the Western Hockey League (WHL) selected Lazar second overall in the 2010 WHL Bantam Draft. At just 15 years old, he was eligible for only five games during the 2010-11 season before being returned to Okanagan Hockey Academy. Lazar received his first call-up on December 7, 2010, and recorded his first WHL point—an assist—against the Red Deer Rebels in the regular season finale. He scored his first WHL goal during the playoffs, providing Edmonton with their only tally in a 5-1 first-round elimination loss.
Lazar joined the Oil Kings for a full rookie campaign in 2011-12, finishing the regular season with 20 goals and 31 points in 63 games. He emerged as the leading playoff scorer with eight goals and 19 points in 20 postseason games, helping Edmonton capture the Ed Chynoweth Cup for the first time in the franchise’s modern era. The Oil Kings then advanced to the 2012 Memorial Cup, where they were eliminated in the tiebreaker game. Lazar and Martin Gernat were named Edmonton’s top rookies at the season-ending awards.
Curtis Lazar Career
Ottawa Senators (2014-2017)
At 19 years old, Lazar was the only teenager on the Senators’ 2014-15 opening-night roster, making his NHL debut on October 9, 2014, against the Nashville Predators. He centered the “Kids Line” alongside fellow rookies Mike Hoffman and Mark Stone. Senators coach Paul MacLean elected to retain Lazar beyond the ten-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 5-4 shootout loss to the Buffalo Sabres. He concluded his rookie season with six goals and 15 points across 67 games.
During the 2015-16 season, Lazar demonstrated positional flexibility by playing both center and wing positions to accommodate veterans Jean-Gabriel Pageau and Zack Smith. He appeared in all twelve forward slots within the first 14 games and even expressed willingness to play defense if needed. After breaking a 26-game scoring drought on January 13 against the Anaheim Ducks, Lazar finished the season with six goals and 20 points in 76 games. Prior to the 2016-17 campaign, Lazar contracted mononucleosis during training camp and began the season with the Binghamton Senators to regain his strength.
Calgary Flames (2017-2018)
On March 1, 2017, the Senators traded Lazar and Michael Kostka to the Calgary Flames in exchange for Jyrki Jokipakka and a second-round draft selection. He served as a healthy scratch for his first seven games before debuting with Calgary on March 19. Lazar scored one goal and two assists in four regular season games with the Flames and appeared in their playoff series against the Anaheim Ducks. Following the season, he signed a two-year, $1.9 million contract extension on July 14, 2017. During the 2017-18 season, he was eventually demoted to the fourth line but found consistency there, contributing two goals and 12 points in 65 games as Calgary missed the playoffs.
Buffalo Sabres (2019-2021)
Lazar signed a one-year, $700,000 contract with the Buffalo Sabres on July 1, 2019. He began the 2019-20 season with the AHL Rochester Americans after being among the Sabres’ final roster cuts. He signed a two-year, $1.6 million extension on September 24, 2020, and secured a third-line role with the Sabres during the pandemic-shortened 2020-21 season, posting five goals and nine points through 33 games. On April 11, 2021, Buffalo traded Lazar and Taylor Hall to the Boston Bruins in exchange for Anders Bjork and a 2021 second-round draft pick.
Boston Bruins (2021-2022)
Lazar joined the Bruins as part of the trade deadline deal and contributed to their lineup during the stretch run of the 2020-21 season. His solid performance with Boston helped him establish his value as a reliable bottom-six forward capable of playing multiple positions.
Vancouver Canucks (2022-2023)
As a free agent from the Bruins, Lazar signed a three-year, $3 million contract with the Vancouver Canucks on July 13, 2022. The deal represented a commitment from Vancouver to add experienced depth and versatility to their forward group. Lazar appeared in a significant number of games for the Canucks before being traded to the New Jersey Devils on March 3, 2023, in exchange for a fourth-round pick in the 2024 NHL Entry Draft.
New Jersey Devils (2023-2025)
Lazar joined the Devils as a versatile veteran presence capable of filling various roles across the lineup. During his two-plus seasons in New Jersey, he continued to demonstrate the adaptability and two-way play that characterized his career. He appeared in numerous games while contributing to the Devils’ forward depth.
Edmonton Oilers (2025-Present)
The Edmonton Oilers signed Lazar as a free agent to a one-year, $775,000 contract on July 2, 2025, bringing the career journeyman back to the city where he began his junior career. This homecoming provided Lazar with an opportunity to compete for a spot on a competitive Oilers roster while adding valuable experience and depth to the forward corps.
Driving Style and Strengths
Lazar has built his NHL career on versatility, positional flexibility, and a high compete level. Capable of playing center and both wing positions, he has demonstrated the ability to slot into various lineup configurations depending on team needs. His right-handed shot and two-way approach make him a reliable option for coaches seeking defensive responsibility alongside offensive contribution. Lazar’s adaptability has allowed him to remain in the NHL despite not being a high-point producer, as he brings intangibles including forechecking tenacity and the willingness to play a physical brand of hockey.
Notable Events and Milestones
During his rookie season with Ottawa, Lazar became an internet sensation when a hamburger thrown onto the ice by Boston Bruins fans struck him while he sat on the Senators’ bench. The incident occurred during the “Hamburglar” celebration honoring goaltender Andrew Hammond, and Lazar famously ate the burger, which went viral across social media. Several years later, Lazar clarified that the hamburger was fully wrapped when it hit him, not exposed on the ice.
Curtis Lazar Career Wins
Lazar’s career includes significant championship success at the junior level alongside steady NHL contribution across multiple franchises. His most decorated accomplishments came during his time with the Edmonton Oil Kings, where he helped establish the franchise as a WHL powerhouse.
Edmonton Oil Kings Highlights
Lazar played an instrumental role in the Oil Kings capturing the Ed Chynoweth Cup in 2012 and 2014, serving as captain during the latter championship run. During the 2014 Memorial Cup, he scored the triple-overtime game-winning goal against the Val-d’Or Foreurs in the semifinals, marking the longest game in tournament history. Lazar was awarded the George Parsons Trophy as the most sportsmanlike player at the 2014 Memorial Cup. He also earned WHL Eastern Conference First All-Star Team recognition and received the inaugural Kristians Pelss Oil Kings award, given to the player who best exemplifies the team on and off the ice.
Other Achievements
At the international level, Lazar captained Team British Columbia to gold at the 2011 Canada Winter Games, where he set scoring records for the tournament. His performance earned him tournament MVP, Top Forward, and All-Star honors at the 2010 John Reid Memorial Tournament, and he received the 2010 Hockey Now/BC Hockey Hall of Fame Minor Hockey Player Achievement Award.
Curtis Lazar Family
Family Background
Lazar grew up in Vernon, British Columbia, as one of four children in the Lazar family. His parents, Dave and Karen, supported his hockey ambitions by arranging travel to games and providing encouragement throughout his development.
Personal Life
Lazar and his wife have two sons together. Despite his reserved approach to media attention, Lazar’s fun-loving personality emerged during the famous hamburger incident early in his career, which showcased his ability to laugh at himself and connect with fans. He maintains connections to both British Columbia and the organizations he has played for throughout his career.
2025 Season Performance
Curtis Lazar enters the 2025-26 season with the Edmonton Oilers following his July 2 free-agent signing, marking a symbolic return to the city where his hockey career first flourished. The one-year contract provides Lazar with an opportunity to compete for a roster spot on a team with legitimate Stanley Cup aspirations. His familiarity with the Edmonton market and the Oil Kings’ championship history should ease his transition back into the organization. Lazar’s role with the Oilers will likely involve providing depth at forward, potentially centering or anchoring the fourth line while offering versatility across positions. The veteran presence he brings could prove valuable in a locker room featuring a mix of established stars and younger players. Lazar’s ability to win faceoffs, kill penalties, and contribute in limited minutes aligns with the profile of a player the Oilers seek to add organizational depth. As training camp approaches, Lazar will work to demonstrate that his experience and two-way play make him a valuable addition to Edmonton’s pursuit of championship success.
