If you looked around as an Oilers fan on July 1, it felt like Edmonton had no movement whatsoever. GM Stan Bowman was quiet, watching other teams pick who he should have, including the best goalie Jake Allen and other forwards. For Bowman, the first signing didn’t come until late Tuesday night with left winger Andrew Mangiapane. However, things started looking up for the Oilers Nation as the right-handed center Curtis Lazar signed with them the next day. And why not? The underrated hometown hero is right where his WHL career began with two titles to show for it. 

However, the 30-year-old, who will battle Noah Philp for the fourth-line center role, comes with some baggage. After his knee injury last season that even required surgery, Curtis could not return to his old impactful scorer-self. Last season, in five-on-five scoring, his points per 60 came down to just 0.67. Comparatively, they were 1.61 in 2023-24. What he did, although, do was, turn into a role player with plus speed and penalty-killing experience which the Oilers can always boost. And it looks like the Oilers gang is already trying to do its best to make Lazar feel right at home ahead of the new season.

On July 3, Jason Gregor, co-host of the Daily Faceoff podcast, went on X to highlight how the Edmonton Oilers’ roster is working to make Lazar feel comfortable. Among others, Connor McDavid, who was an alternate captain to the 2015 IIHF World Juniors under Lazar’s captaincy, was one of the first to reach out to the newest Oilers’ signee.

“He reached out to me right away. We were roommates at the World Juniors so it was nice to reconnect. I also played with Trent Frederic and (Vasily) Podkolzin and both reached out. Pods’ was in English/Russian and I think he said he was happy I signed (laughs),” Gregor wrote in his post. Interestingly, even his 4-year-old is excited for him to be in Edmonton and wants Curtis to “wear 97 because McDavid does.” While he cannot wear the same jersey number, it sure would be exciting for him to re-unite with his old teammate.

After winning the WHL Championship and the Memorial Cup with the Edmonton Oil Kings in five seasons, Lazar was drafted 17th overall by Ottawa in 2013 and then went on to play for seven seasons with the Oilers’ provincial opponents, the Calgary Flames. He has also lent his skills to Buffalo, Boston, Vancouver, and New Jersey. In 572 regular-season games, Lazar has posted 47 goals and 78 assists. Additionally, in his 30 career playoff games, he contributed with a goal and two assists. However, the 2024-25 season wasn’t as bountiful for the Salmon Arm, British Columbia, native.

Lazar spent a chunk of the recently concluded season on the sidelines due to various injuries and only posted 2 goals and 3 assists in 48 matchups, playing for the New Jersey Devils. However, he has some update on his injury.

“I dealt with injuries last year. I had knee surgery and it went well, however, the screw they inserted was supposed to dissolve, but it didn’t and it started to cause pain and discomfort. It was frustrating at times wondering if I’d feel good. But six weeks ago I had it removed and now I feel great. I’m moving without pain and for the first time in a year I’m able to move well. I’m excited.”

Moreover, his 1-year $775,000 AAV contract with the Oilers could be just the thing to re-ignite that hunger in him. While he hasn’t been placed in offensive roles before, it’s quite possible that Lazar would be placed in the fourth line by head coach Kris Knoblauch.

Thankfully, though, Curtis Lazar will have many colleagues to help him ease into his new role.

Curtis Lazar will have a well-rounded team to work with

This year, the start of the free agency coincided with Canada Day, on July 1, and the Oilers have gone into overdrive mode. A reaction to their back-to-back loss to the Florida Panthers in the Stanley Cup Finals? Could be. But even so, it looks like the general manager Stan Bowman is determined to beef up the roster as much as possible ahead of the 2025-26 season. With that in mind, Edmonton also signed UFA winger Andrew Mangiapane for two years at $7.6 million.

“I think this was just a great fit for me…I just want to come here and play my game and just kind of help the team whatever way possible to win,” said Mangiapane, who has played 498 games for Calgary and Washington. The signing of Lazar and Mangiapane makes even more sense considering that the Oilers lost forwards Corey Perry and Connor Brown in free agency, and that void in the offensive line needed to be filled, stat!

Defenseman Evan Bouchard was also re-signed for a four-year $42 million deal. However, the prevalent question remains: What is the status of Connor McDavid? Bowman only recently revealed that the team is yet to commence talks about McDavid’s future with the team, fueling more air into the speculative fires. However, with poster stars like McDavid, it’s not unusual to hear about a new deal very late as well like Leon Draisaitl did in September.

So, do you think that Lazar will be fortunate enough to play beside and learn from one of the best in the business in the Oilers? And even if he doesn’t, how do you suspect Curtis’ time with the team to pan out next season? Tell us!