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The Ottawa Senators moved on from a recent first-round pick on Wednesday, trading winger Curtis Lazar to the Calgary Flames.
Calgary sends defensemen Mike Kostka, Jyrki Jokipakka and a second-round pick to the Senators for Lazar.
Speaking with TSN immediately after the trade, Lazar called it a frustrating season that started with a bout of mono. He also confirmed he wanted a new opportunity outside of Ottawa and thanked the team for granting him one. Lazar said he’s been playing in “survival mode” this year.
Lazar was taken 17th overall in the 2013 NHL entry draft and joined the NHL in 2014-15. He hasn’t eclipsed 20 points in a season yet and has just one assist this year. He captained Canada’s World Juniors championship win a couple of years ago.
Jokipakka was recently waived by the Flames, just a year removed from joining them in a trade from the Dallas Stars for Kris Russell. Kostka is a veteran minor league defenseman.