Flames GM: Curtis Lazar has 'some piss and vinegar to him'

Brad Treliving believes Curtis Lazar brings something unique to the table.

The Calgary Flames general manager sent defenseman Jyrki Jokipakka and a second-round pick to the Ottawa Senators in exchange for the 22-year-old forward, and hopes Lazar can tap into all the things that made him stand out at the junior level.

"We look at hockey sense and he's got it in spades," Treliving said, per Eric Francis of the Calgary Herald. "We're not making this bet based on what he's doing today - we think there is significant upside. He fits right in with our age group. He's got a lot of work to do to get to the level we want him to and he's committed to doing that."

Treliving added, "He's got some piss and vinegar to him and I don't think that’s bad to add to our group."

Lazar, selected 17th overall by Ottawa in 2013, entered the NHL with quite the junior pedigree after winning two WHL championhips and a Memorial Cup as a member of the Edmonton Oil Kings, as well as a gold medal at the World Junior Championships while serving as team captain for Canada.

But after averaging 0.85 points per game in the WHL, his production dropped significantly with the Senators, and Lazar managed only one assist in 33 games this season.

"You're making calculated bets in this business and information is the currency we trade in," Treliving continued. "We feel we have good information on this player and think there's upside as there's good skill and attitude there."

Lazar's entry-level contract expires at the end of this season, and he'll be out to prove he does indeed have a future in the NHL during his time with the Flames.

He sure seems pretty happy about the move so far.