The Journey: Domi and Lazar

Mike Barrett

2015-01-10

CurtisLazar

Taking a look at two of Canada’s top prospects Max Domi and Curtis Lazar.

This week we’re going to take a look at another pair of Canadian teammates, Max Domi and captain Curtis Lazar. A pair of forwards who have a long history of success.

Max of course has the pedigree in his veins from father Tie; tough guy Maple Leaf legend who skated in 1020 NHL games, and amassed over 3500 PIM’s.

Lazar, helped lead the dominant Edmonton Oil King to their first ever title last season and consistently finish atop the standings.

Not only are the two gunning for gold together, but Domi has played in every Memorial Cup since beginning his CHL career, and Lazar scored the historic triple-OT game winner last year in the semi’s, before winning it all in the finals.

Max Domi

Drafted: Phoenix (Arizona) Coyotes 2013 – 1st round, 12th overall

Not only will the numbers be there, he will be a fan favorite whose style of play allows him to make an impact in a variety of ways whether it be flashy dangles, blocking a shot, or stirring it up. The Coyotes have long been in need for a player like this, specifically one who has the pedigree to pull it off in the desert, and Domi will be their man.

Curtis Lazar</a></strong></p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Drafted: </strong>Ottawa Senators 2013 – 1st round, 17th overall </p> <p> </p> <p>With Lazar being selected in 2010 due to his birthday, rather than 2011 like Domi, the second overall pick got a chance to gain a little bit of valuable CHL experience (six regular season games, plus four playoff games) to bring with him for his first full season in 2011-12. </p> <p> </p> <p>The-16-year-old Lazar hit the 20-goal plateau (20-11-31-plus-15) in 63 games, but exploded in the playoffs as a 17-year-old with 19 points in 20 games (8-11-19).</p> <p> </p> <p>With scouts keeping a sharp eye on his offensive game in 2012-13 to see if he could keep up that pace, Lazar responded mightily with 38 goals (38-23-61-plus-25) in 72 games.</p> <p> </p> <p>The Senators then jumped all over Lazar at 17th overall, a consensus safe pick with a high chance of making the NHL at the very least in a bottom line role.</p> <p> </p> <p>Last season, in 58 games Lazar sniped 41 past WHL netminders along with 35 assists for an impressive 76 points and plus-41 rating during the regular season, and another 22 points (10-12) in 21 playoff games en route to a Memorial Cup championship.</p> <p> </p> <p>Not the smoothest skater, but a tireless worker, Curtis Lazar possesses all the intangibles to succeed anywhere he plays. The most natural of leaders, Lazar has a knack for scoring big goals, as displayed by his triple-OT Memorial Cup redirection vs Val D’or, and goal-per-game pace at the WJC (5-5-1-6-plus-7).</p> <p> </p> <p>While Lazar won’t ever be close to an elite fantasy player, he will be a steady performer who will earn a lot of ice-time over the years with his style of play and score 20 goals. Don’t look for him to lead your fantasy team in scoring, but to be a consistent piece of the puzzle.</p> <p> </p> <p><iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/TQP_AxZN7IA?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen>