The Buffalo Sabres have re-signed forward Curtis Lazar to a contract extension. The details are a two-year contract worth $1.6 million, or $800,000 annually.
The smile’s stickin’ around! 😁
We have signed Curtis Lazar to a two-year contract with an AAV of $800,000.
Details: https://t.co/g3Aq8mRpcO pic.twitter.com/uaSdMrHOZG
— Buffalo Sabres (@BuffaloSabres) September 24, 2020
Buffalo Sabres Re-Sign Curtis Lazar
Lazar has spent six years in the NHL, playing for the Ottawa Senators for multiple years, the Calgary Flames, and now is staying in Buffalo. Over the last few years, Lazar has split time between the NHL and the AHL. In 18 games with the Rochester Americans this past season, he put up six goals and dished out eight assists for 14 points. With the Sabres, his numbers were relatively similar. Through 38 games, he had five goals and five assists for an even 10 points.
In his six-year NHL career, Lazar played 284 games, scored 20 times, had 41 assists, and accumulated some 61 points. He also has a plus/minus of -20 in that same time frame. He was nominated by the Sabres for the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy in the 2019-20 season.
Looking to the Future
While Lazar may not be the most flashy player, or play top line minutes, he is still a crucial part of the team. As a more defensively minded third-line center, Lazar’s impact extends beyond the scoresheet. While only playing an average of just under 12 minutes per game last season, head coach Ralph Krueger trusted him during important scenarios. He usually took late-game defensive zone draws, and usually succeeded in winning them.
His faceoff percentage was over 50 percent, second on his team (minimum 20 games played). He was critical to their penalty kill and was fourth in all forwards for blocked shots with 24. He also was third among forwards in hits with 70. A physical and reliable centreman, Lazar will help the rebuilding Sabres move past this stage and into a playoff position. While the Sabres desperately need another star to support Jack Eichel, keeping their depth pieces will be crucial to long-term success, and having Curtis Lazar re-signed is the first step.
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