Curtis Lazar Joins Edmonton Oilers: A Strategic Depth Addition for the 2025 Season

In an offseason filled with high-profile signings and intense anticipation, the Edmonton Oilers made a quiet but strategic move on Wednesday by signing veteran forward Curtis Lazar to a one-year contract worth US$775,000. While the name Lazar may not turn heads in the same way as some of the Oilers’ star players, the decision to bring him aboard carries a lot of significance for the team’s depth, versatility, and overall playoff aspirations in the 2025 season.

Lazar, known for his tenacity, physicality, and sound defensive play, is the type of player who might not be a top-line star but provides invaluable contributions in less glamorous roles. For the Oilers, who are focused on improving every aspect of their game as they aim for a deep playoff run, Lazar’s acquisition is a calculated, low-risk investment that could pay significant dividends over the course of the season.

This signing is a clear indication of the direction the Oilers are taking as they fine-tune their roster in search of the perfect balance between offensive firepower and defensive stability. With Curtis Lazar now part of the mix, the Oilers not only gain a reliable depth forward but also add a player who can contribute in key areas—penalty killing, faceoffs, and winning the gritty battles in the corners.

Before delving into what Lazar can bring to the Oilers, it’s important to look at his career trajectory, his strengths, and his role on past teams. A former first-round pick (17th overall in the 2013 NHL Draft by the Ottawa Senators), Lazar’s journey has been one of perseverance and adaptability.

Starting his career with the Senators, Lazar showed early promise as a two-way forward who could contribute on both ends of the ice. Over the years, he has been a steady, if unspectacular, contributor for several teams. Lazar has spent time with the Senators, the Calgary Flames, the Vancouver Canucks, and most recently, the Boston Bruins, where he carved out a niche as a reliable depth player who could play multiple roles, from penalty killer to fourth-line forward.

His offensive numbers have never been the flashy kind, but what Lazar brings to the table is something that often goes underappreciated: a gritty, hardworking, and defensive-minded style of play. Lazar is the type of player who won’t make the highlight reels every night, but his ability to win faceoffs, block shots, and play a smart, disciplined game is exactly what every championship-contending team needs.

In fact, over the past few seasons, Lazar has evolved into one of the more dependable bottom-six forwards in the NHL. While his offensive production may be modest, he has consistently provided value in his role, and it’s that versatility that makes him a perfect fit for the Oilers’ needs.

When a team like the Oilers, who are loaded with elite offensive talent, makes a move for a player like Curtis Lazar, it’s clear that they’re looking for something specific. The Oilers have made no secret of their desire to improve their depth—particularly on the defensive side of the puck—and Lazar is exactly the type of player who can help solidify the team’s bottom-six forward group.

One of Lazar’s standout attributes is his defensive game. In an age where the NHL is more offensive-minded than ever before, Lazar’s ability to shut down opposing teams’ attacks is incredibly valuable. Whether it’s killing penalties or matching up against the other team’s best lines, Lazar has proven time and again that he can handle the defensive responsibilities that come with playing in a lower-line role.

The Oilers, despite boasting one of the league’s most explosive offenses, have often been criticized for their defensive lapses and inconsistency in their bottom six. With Lazar now in the fold, the Oilers are adding a player who can bring some defensive stability to the team. Whether he’s deployed on the penalty kill or in late-game situations to protect a lead, Lazar’s presence will go a long way in helping Edmonton shore up their overall team defense.

Another key area where Lazar can make an immediate impact is in the faceoff circle. Over the course of his career, Lazar has consistently been one of the better faceoff men in the league, with a career faceoff win percentage of around 52%. This is particularly important for the Oilers, who have at times struggled to gain possession in key moments of games.

Faceoffs are a critical aspect of possession, and the ability to win draws on the penalty kill or in defensive zone situations can make a huge difference in controlling the flow of the game. With Lazar, the Oilers gain a player who can be relied upon to take key draws and win them, whether it’s a faceoff in the offensive zone to set up a scoring chance or a defensive zone faceoff to help clear the puck.

The signing of Lazar should also be viewed through the lens of roster flexibility. While the Oilers have a star-studded top six, one of the challenges of building a championship contender is ensuring that you have depth that can contribute when called upon. With Lazar’s experience in various roles—whether as a checking forward, penalty killer, or even filling in as a center or wingman in the lineup—the Oilers have added another versatile piece to their bottom-six forward group.

This depth is crucial, particularly when the team faces injuries or has to mix and match lines throughout the season. Lazar can fit in alongside a variety of teammates, and his willingness to play whatever role is asked of him makes him a perfect fit for the Oilers’ system. Whether it’s stepping in as a center on the fourth line or playing on the wing on a shutdown line, Lazar provides options for head coach Jay Woodcroft.

A key part of this signing is the financial aspect. The Oilers have been in a bit of a tight spot with their salary cap, especially as they try to balance the enormous contracts of Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl with the need to build a deep and well-rounded roster. The one-year, $775,000 contract Lazar signed is a cost-effective move that allows the Oilers to address their depth needs without compromising too much of their cap space.

Given the Oilers’ limited cap space, signing Lazar to a one-year, low-risk deal was an excellent way to bolster the team’s forward group without overcommitting financially. This move also allows the Oilers to retain flexibility should they need to make additional moves or adjustments during the season, as they’ll have more wiggle room in the cap.

Moreover, the one-year deal gives both the Oilers and Lazar a chance to evaluate each other over the course of the season. If Lazar excels in his role, the Oilers will have the option to bring him back the following year. Conversely, if things don’t work out, Lazar will have the opportunity to explore other opportunities in the offseason.

As the Oilers continue to build a roster capable of challenging for the Stanley Cup, the addition of a player like Curtis Lazar is a testament to their commitment to improving every facet of their game. While Edmonton’s top-heavy offense has often carried the team, there’s no denying that depth will be a crucial factor in their quest for postseason success.

Lazar’s ability to play a responsible, two-way game will not only help the Oilers get through the grueling regular season but also give them an edge in the playoffs, where every line and every shift counts. His experience in high-stakes situations—both in the postseason and as a reliable depth forward—will be invaluable as the Oilers push for a deep playoff run.

For Edmonton, this signing represents a smart, low-risk decision that strengthens their overall depth without taking away from their primary goal of winning a championship. While Curtis Lazar may not be a household name, his contributions in key areas will be essential for the Oilers as they look to make another run at the Stanley Cup in 2025.

Curtis Lazar might not generate the same excitement as the Oilers’ superstars, but his addition is just as crucial in terms of the team’s overall success. A reliable, defensively responsible forward who excels on faceoffs and penalty killing, Lazar provides the kind of depth that could make all the difference in tight games, especially when the stakes are highest in the postseason.

For the Oilers, this one-year signing provides the team with the depth and versatility they need to succeed, all while keeping the financial flexibility intact. Lazar might not score 30 goals or grab headlines every night, but his impact will be felt where it counts the most: in the hard-fought battles that determine the course of the season.

As Edmonton continues its quest for the ultimate prize, adding players like Curtis Lazar is a reminder that championships aren’t won solely on star power but on the collective effort of a well-rounded, balanced roster. This move is a step in the right direction for a team that is looking to take the next step and contend for a Stanley Cup in 2025.