Curtis Lazar Returns to Edmonton—This Time as an Oiler After Signing a One-Year, $775,000 Deal to Bolster Forward Depth

Curtis Lazar is officially back in Edmonton—but this time, he’ll be suiting up for the Oilers. The veteran forward signed a one-year contract worth $775,000, the team announced Wednesday, adding depth and versatility to a roster hungry to finally climb hockey’s ultimate mountain.

For Lazar, this signing represents both a homecoming and a fresh opportunity. Though born in British Columbia, the 29-year-old forward has deep ties to Alberta. He played his junior hockey with the Edmonton Oil Kings, becoming a household name during his standout WHL career, where he helped lead the Oil Kings to a Memorial Cup title in 2014. Now, a decade later, Lazar will return to Rogers Place—only this time, the Oilers logo will be stitched on his chest.

“I’ve always had a soft spot for this city,” Lazar said following the announcement. “Edmonton was where I took some of my biggest steps as a young player, and to be back here at this stage of my career with a team like the Oilers—it just feels right.”

Lazar enters the fold as a proven depth piece, known more for his work ethic, defensive awareness, and versatility than for flashy offensive numbers. Throughout his NHL career, which has spanned nearly 500 games across six different teams, Lazar has carved out a reputation as a reliable, hardworking forward who can slot into various roles when needed.

Drafted 17th overall by the Ottawa Senators in the 2013 NHL Draft, Lazar entered the league with lofty expectations after his prolific junior career. While his offensive production at the NHL level hasn’t matched the hype that accompanied him as a first-round pick, his value as a bottom-six contributor has been undeniable.

For the Oilers, bringing Lazar aboard for the league minimum offers a low-risk, high-character addition to a roster that has often struggled to find consistency in its bottom six. Despite boasting some of the league’s most dynamic superstars in Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, Edmonton’s lack of depth scoring and reliable defensive forwards has been a recurring narrative in recent playoff shortcomings.

Lazar, who spent last season with the New Jersey Devils, fits the mold of the type of player general manager Ken Holland has been quietly targeting this offseason—affordable veterans with experience, versatility, and a team-first mentality. His ability to play both center and wing, contribute on the penalty kill, and bring energy to the forecheck makes him a plug-and-play option for head coach Kris Knoblauch.

“Curtis is the type of player every successful team needs,” Holland said in a statement. “He understands his role, plays hard, and makes life difficult for the opposition. We’re excited to bring him into our group as we continue building toward our ultimate goal.”

While Lazar’s offensive numbers won’t turn heads—he tallied just two goals and seven assists over 52 games with New Jersey last season—his contributions extend far beyond the scoresheet. Coaches and teammates alike have long praised his leadership qualities, defensive responsibility, and willingness to do the dirty work in the trenches.

For Oilers fans, the signing also comes with a dose of nostalgia. Many still remember Lazar’s days with the Oil Kings, where he was a fan favorite for his tenacious play and clutch performances. His role in helping the franchise capture the 2014 Memorial Cup cemented his status as a beloved figure in Edmonton’s junior hockey circles.

Returning to the city where he found so much success as a teenager brings things full circle for Lazar. But as he emphasized during his introductory media availability, this is far from a sentimental signing—he’s here to compete.

“I’m not coming here to reminisce or look in the rearview mirror,” Lazar said. “I’m here to help this team win. They were so close last year, and I believe I can contribute to what they’re building.”

Indeed, the Oilers came agonizingly close to hockey immortality just weeks ago, falling to the Florida Panthers in a seven-game Stanley Cup Final that captivated the hockey world. While the disappointment still lingers, Edmonton’s front office wasted no time tweaking the roster for another run.

In addition to Lazar, the Oilers have already made a handful of depth moves aimed at addressing weaknesses exposed during the grueling playoff run. Adding players who can kill penalties, bring energy, and stabilize the bottom six has been a clear priority, and Lazar checks all those boxes.

His addition also adds internal competition, something Knoblauch has emphasized as critical for keeping the roster sharp and hungry. With young players vying for NHL spots and established veterans returning, Lazar’s presence ensures no one gets comfortable.

“I’ve been in this league long enough to know nothing is given,” Lazar said. “I’m ready to come in, work hard, and earn my place. Whether that’s on the fourth line, killing penalties, or just being a positive voice in the room—I’ll do whatever is asked.”

At just 29, Lazar still has plenty of hockey ahead of him, and the one-year deal provides both him and the Oilers with flexibility. For Lazar, it’s a chance to re-establish himself on a contender and potentially earn a longer-term role. For Edmonton, it’s a low-cost addition that brings experience, grit, and character without tying up valuable cap space long-term.

The signing has already sparked positive reactions among fans, many of whom fondly recall Lazar’s Oil Kings days and see the move as a savvy piece of business by Holland and his staff.

“It’s great to see Curtis back in Edmonton,” one fan wrote on social media. “Hardworking, humble guy—exactly the type of player you want around a group chasing the Cup.”

Of course, expectations remain sky-high for the Oilers. With McDavid and Draisaitl still in their prime and the bitter taste of near-miss heartbreak fueling the group, anything short of a Stanley Cup will feel like unfinished business.

Lazar knows that reality all too well. He’s bounced around the league, experiencing both the highs and lows of NHL life, and understands the unique pressure—and opportunity—that comes with joining a contender like Edmonton.

“Coming so close last year, you can feel how motivated this group is,” he said. “It’s not about individual stats or accolades. It’s about winning, plain and simple. That’s where my focus is.”

While the headlines this offseason will naturally center around Edmonton’s superstars and potential blockbuster moves, sometimes it’s the under-the-radar additions like Lazar that quietly shape a team’s identity when the games matter most.

As training camp approaches, all eyes will be on how Lazar fits into the Oilers’ plans. But one thing is certain—the kid who once brought a Memorial Cup to Edmonton is back, older, wiser, and ready to help chase down the biggest prize in hockey.

For Curtis Lazar and the Oilers, the mission is clear—and it starts now.