We Count Down the Top 10 New Jersey Devils for 2024-25 – No. 10 – Curtis Lazar – Hockey Writers – New Jersey Devils
Welcome to The Hockey Writers' ranking of the ten most impactful players of the 2024-25 season. This is not a countdown of the top 10 but a list of those players who are considered to have had the greatest impact. These are ten players who offer unique contributions, are difficult to replace and are vital to the Devils' quest to return to the postseason. The list starts with Curtis Lazar, coming in at #10.
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An undrafted acquisition at the 2023 Trade Deadline, Curtis Lazar was a steal for the New Jersey Devils. General manager Tom Fitzgerald picked up Lazar for a future fourth-round pick. Lazar's introduction to New Jersey was difficult; amidst problems related to his work visa, traveling 3000 miles from his pregnant wife and young son and suffering a torn MCL, Lazar persevered and contributed to the Devils' victory over the New York Rangers in the first round of the playoffs.
He returned to a rejuvenated Devils in training camp and quickly proved his worth as the only player to play in all eight preseason contests. His preseason performance was a precursor to the upcoming campaign as he became an integral part of the team on the ice and a fan favorite on it.
Lazar Has First Round Talent
Drafted 17th overall by the Ottawa Senators in the 2013 NHL Draft, Lazar left the Western Hockey League with a reputation for relentless play, dangerous speed, and catching ability. Going into the frame, Lazar told NHL.com, “I'm not going to 'wow' people with my offensive numbers, but it's the little things that I'm most proud of. If it's blocking a shot or winning a faceoff [defensive] guys, those are the kinds of things I like to do.”
His natural talent combined with humility and maturity has served him well in his journey throughout the NHL, where he has been a key member of the Senators, Calgary Flames, Buffalo Sabres, Boston Bruins, Vancouver Canucks, and now the Devils.
Like many top picks, Lazar has shaped his game to fit the needs of his team. Fortunately, he hasn't affected his speed or stamina, which makes him a good fit for New Jersey. Last season, as injuries piled up, Lazar played up and down the lineup, scoring a second goal to lighten the load on the lineup, leading with 25 points.
His play and leadership earned him the Devil's nomination for the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy, presented to the NHL player who “most exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to ice hockey.” It was Lazar's third appointment.
Lazar's excitement and passion for the game are both palpable and contagious. He first gained notoriety for eating a hamburger thrown onto the ice after a win during goaltender Andrew “the Hamburglar” Hammond's miracle win in 2014-15. His humor cemented him as a fan favorite, and he has been featured numerous times, wearing a microphone during a Stadium Series game against the Philadelphia Flyers, during a team photo, and most recently, starring in a video for the schedule release. . Lazar has surrounded himself in New Jersey with accessibility and always plays with the joy of a child mixed with endless effort.
Lazar's Influence on the Success of Demons
Leadership, tenacity, and perseverance are important qualities, but a player's career will be short-lived if that doesn't translate into performance. With Lazar, what you see is what you get every night. He's found a way to use his power and speed to make a splash and is poised to make it even bigger in 2024-25 as he looks to start the season as a 4C under new coach Sheldon Keefe.
After a tough loss to the Los Angeles Kings on Feb.15, when Lazar put his body at risk, teammate Brendan Smith was quick to praise his veteran. “I love his intensity…there was a game in the second half. He made a big block. I think it was also missing, it just caught fire from the boys,” said Smith. “It's an impulse. Keeps the puck out of the net. He has been competing all year. I love his game. I think he is underestimated, but he is a big part of this club.”
Lazar has done everything the Devil asked and more. He led the team in scoring (28), led the Qalls with 15 blocks, tied for the team lead in shortstops, and on the team with a -17 goal differential, led all players in plus-10. He was also the center of an infamous line feud with the Rangers, throwing gloves with former Devil Jimmy Vesey at center ice. All that from a player who averaged just north of 12 minutes a game.
After spending most of last season plugging holes in the roster, Lazar will enter training camp with a more defined role. He will fill the shoes of another former first-round pick, who used his speed and toughness to become a top-six center, Michael McLeod. Lazar is the straw that stirs the drink, and with the acquisitions of players like Paul Cotter and Stefan Noesen, he will have more help this season setting the tone with speed and physicality in the forehead.
Keefe's system is based on high pressure in all three positions, which should mesh well with Lazar's game. He's also the only right-handed shooter slated to start in center, making him a valuable asset in drawing the defense, especially on the penalty kill. His faceoff winning percentage dipped below 50% last season (from 52% the year before), so getting that form back will be key to his success with the Devils.
Fitzgerald hit the jackpot, prying Lazar away from the Canucks for just a fourth-round pick. Getting a player of Lazar's caliber, in his prime, who led his team in scoring, shortstops, and plus/minus is hard enough, but getting a ten-year veteran on a $1 million deal through next season is a steal.
Lazar is in the driver's seat for a raise unless the Devils are smart enough to extend him before he reaches free will. Doing so could save the team money, as comparable players have cashed out this offseason, and the cap is set to rise again. AFP Analytics projects Lazar to be on a two-year contract worth $2 million per season, which could be lower if Lazar repeats his performance last season.
What They Say About Lazarus
Following Masterton's selection, Devils interim head coach Travis Green was asked what he thought of Lazar being selected. He smiled and admired Lazar's value both on and off the ice:
“Lazar is a popular guy in the room. He works (hard), he comes to the rink every day with a good attitude, he does a lot of things that players don't like to do. He found a way to be a top pick and top scorer and turned his career into one where he's now a bottom six and a character in the room, and he does a lot of things that don't get noticed. but you really need to win. You can't have enough of these guys because they help your team get over the line a lot of nights.”
Travis Green, after practice on April 5, 2024
With what he brings in the locker room and on the ice, Lazar is the 10th most impactful player on the Devils roster heading into the 2024-25 season. Stay tuned for number nine, coming soon.
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