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Sabres reportedly sign non-tendered Curtis Lazar

According to a tweet from Sportsnet’s Chris Johnson, the Buffalo Sabres will sign a one-way deal with former Calgary Flames forward Curtis Lazar. The move comes after the Flames failed to tender an offer to Lazar, who appeared in one NHL game last season.

The Flames acquired Lazar in the 2016-17 season from the Ottawa Senators. The 24-year old center/right wing played only 7- games for the Flames, but had a fairly successful season in the AHL for the Stockton Heat, scoring 41 points in 57 games.

Lazar was a key component of Hockey Canada’s world junior teams from 2013-15, serving as the team captain in the latter tournament. He has failed to reach his potential in the NHL, though, and has struggled to make the impact he was expected to when he was drafted by Ottawa.

The move is an interesting one on the heels of the Colin Miller acquisition. It likely indicates that Buffalo has plans for one of Rochester’s forwards, and has made this move to backfill the position in the fall.

Sabres general manager Jason Botterill has had one of the most complete approaches to the organization since coming aboard following the exit of Tim Murray. The Americans made the playoffs this season, largely because Botterill has tended to the farm club so carefully, and it is anticipated that this potential signing is a continuation of that concentration.