Calgary Flames Acquire Curtis Lazar from the Ottawa Senators for a Second Round Pick

The Calgary Flames have made a move on trade deadline day. The Flames have acquired Curtis Lazar from the Ottawa Senators. Lazar comes along with depth defender Mike Kostka, in exchange for a second round pick and Jyrki Jokipakka. Why this move was made, I am not completely sure and the cost seems too high.

Lazar has had a terrible season. In 33 games this year, he has one assist. One. He has posted horrible possession statistics, with a 39.8% CF (-10.1% in relative CF). Yeah, he is only 22. Yeah, he is a right-hand shot. It may only be a second round pick (Jokipakka was on the outs anyway) but this seems like a very risky move for the Flames to make. The Flames will also need to protect Lazar if they do not want him exposed in the expansion draft.

Kostka has split time between Ottawa and Binghamton (AHL) this season. At 31, he adds a bit of organization depth, but likely will not factor into the team’s plans.

Jyrki Jokipakka was a player that was overly hyped in the Kris Russell deal, but has had a pretty awful season. He finally fell out of favour with the Flames and was put on waivers yesterday, going unclaimed.

The second round pick is what the Flames gave up here. While this upcoming draft is allegedly weak, a pick in the 40s seems more likely to payoff than Lazar. However, Lazar is young, so we shall see how it plays out.

by samwell9