Vernon’s Curtis Lazar has signed his first pro hockey contract.
Lazar, who was selected 17th overall by the Ottawa Senators in the NHL Entry Draft in June, inked a three-year entry-level contract with the Sens on Tuesday.
No details were released, but the standard first-year money for a first-round pick is $925,000.
“I separated my shoulder first day of main camp (bumped by veteran Colin Greening) so I have been recovering,” Lazar told The Morning Star. “Hopefully, I can get back on the ice soon and get into a pre-season game or two.
“The contract is awesome. The hard work starts now, but knowing the team has faith in me goes a long way. The way I play the game is quite similar to how the Senators play so it works out for both of us.”
The 18-year-old centre is entering his third full season with the Western Hockey League’s Edmonton Oil Kings.
The hard-working 6-foot, 196-pounder had 38-23-61 and 47 penalty minutes in 72 games last season, helping the Oil Kings return to the WHL final against the Portland Winterhawks.
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