General manager Tom Fitzgerald said in a recent interview with NHL Network that he wanted to add “some depth” and “get grittier.” Well, with the acquisition of Vancouver Canucks’ forward Curtis Lazar, he is doing exactly that. Per Darren Dreger of TSN, the Devils acquired Lazar for a 2024 fourth-round pick Friday afternoon. He will be added to the logjam of fourth-line forwards the Devils’ currently boast.
Quick Overview
Lazar is a 28-year-old forward who can play both the wing and center. He is a former 17th-overall pick, who has played nine NHL seasons across five different teams. His most prolific scoring season of his career was in 2020-21 when he logged 13 points in 50 games. This season, Lazar has three goals, two assists, and five points while playing 12:10 of ice time a night across 45 contests.
As you can see, Lazar is not known for his offense. Though, his defensive game is decent. Over the past three seasons, Lazar’s defensive metrics rank in the league’s 82nd percentile.
The six-foot, 203 pound forward also does a good job throwing his body around, as the 124 hits in only 45 games played this season indicates. This figure would lead the Devils by a wide margin (Michael McLeod leads the team with 96 hits). Further, he is having a career year on the faceoff dot at 51.9 percent.
At the end of the day, he projects as a fourth-line forward or some depth in event of injury. The Canadian born forward also does have some term. He is under contract through the 2024-25 season at a cap hit for the next two-plus seasons right at $1,000,000.
He will wear number 42 with New Jersey. Lazar hopes to join the Devils on Sunday versus Arizona as he deals with work visas and such.
Final Thoughts
Certainly not a flashy move, but one that matches up with what general manager Tom Fitzgerald explained he was looking for earlier in the week. A depth piece who can play a “grittier” game. Further, a fourth-round pick is not anything to get upset over either, especially given the control that comes with Lazar.
Lazar is probably not an obvious upgrade over anyone in the current forward group. As mentioned above, he should be nothing more than a fourth liner or injury replacement. Though, he can bring an element that some fans have been clamoring for. It’ll be interesting to see if the Devils make any more moves as they are right up against the salary cap.