For Edmonton Oilers forward Curtis Lazar, staying in the National Hockey League meant a pivotal moment of self-realization. Now 30 years old and with over 600 games to his name, the veteran's career is a testament to adaptation and understanding one's role.
The Moment of Clarity
Lazar's professional journey required a significant shift in mindset. Approximately four years into his career, the former first-round draft pick and Memorial Cup champion with the 2014 Edmonton Oil Kings confronted a hard truth. He was no longer the primary offensive weapon he once was. This introspection, which he describes as a "come-to-Jesus" moment, proved crucial. Not every young player possesses this level of self-awareness, but Lazar recognized that to carve out a lasting NHL career, he needed to contribute in ways that often go unnoticed by fans but are invaluable to coaches and teammates.
Embracing the Grind in Edmonton
This season with the Oilers has embodied the challenges of a depth player's life. Lazar experienced a so-so training camp, was a healthy scratch, and later missed games due to injury. He has dressed for only 13 of the team's first 29 contests. However, he is rounding into the form the Oilers sought when they acquired him: a versatile right-shot centre and winger, a reliable face-off specialist, and a capable penalty-killer.
His value was on display Saturday, December 6, 2025, against the Winnipeg Jets at Rogers Place. Lazar sniped a shot past Jets goaltender Tomas Milic from the high slot for a goal, showcasing the offensive touch that still occasionally surfaces. "Tonight was great. You get a regular shift, your confidence going," said Lazar, who logged 12:48 of ice time in the contest.
The Looming Roster Crunch
Despite his recent contributions, Lazar is acutely aware of the impending numbers game. The Oilers' injured list is set to shrink, creating a logjam for roster spots. Jack Roslovic, Noah Philp, Kasperi Kapanen, and Connor Clattenburg are all on the mend. Furthermore, prospects like Ike Howard and Quinn Hutson are putting up impressive numbers with the AHL's Bakersfield Condors and are knocking on the door for an NHL opportunity.
Lazar is not alone in this battle for a fourth-line role. Czech import David Tomasek, a former Swedish League scoring champion adjusting to a bottom-six role, also scored in the win over Winnipeg. The competition is fierce, but Lazar's perspective is grounded in a decade of experience. "I've been there, I've done it...I know what it takes to win and I know what it takes to contribute," he stated.
For Curtis Lazar, the equation is simple yet demanding. In a league where no day can be taken for granted, survival hinges on a clear-eyed assessment of one's own game. "Know what you can offer," is his mantra, a lesson learned early that continues to define his 615-game NHL journey and his ongoing fight for a place with the Edmonton Oilers.