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Curtis Lazar, ranked twelfth-overall by International Scouting Services, fell into the laps of the Ottawa Senators at pick number seventeen. Bryan Murray and the rest of the Ottawa organization didn't waste any time, quickly grabbing the Edmonton Oil Kings product.

Lazar, who had a bit of a roller-coaster year, saw his stock skyrocket after scoring thirty goals over the final forty-five games in the Western Hockey League. Lazar's biggest sell is his skating ability -- the lightning-quick center can get up and down the ice in a flurry, something that likely piqued the interest of Bryan Murray in his puck-possession system.

There's also this nugget courtesy of the Buffalo News:

Lowdown: Lazar blew past Steven Stamkos. He left Sidney Crosby behind. That has a tendency to draw attention. The looks at Lazar began at the 2011 Canada Games, a biennial event that is the country’s largest competition for young athletes. Lazar led British Columbia to the gold, scoring 12 goals to break Stamkos’ record and 17 points to eclipse Crosby’s mark in only six games.

And from Chris Edwards at Central Scouting:

He had a dry spell for a while, but when he was on he was around the puck and creating stuff all game. He can certainly take advantage of his opportunities. He's got real good puck-handling ability, is a smart offensive guy and skates well.” – Chris Edwards of NHL Central Scouting.

This from Hockey Prospectus' Corey Pronman:

OTT selects Curtis Lazar. He's a great skater who plays a top pace with physicality and energy. Good skill, good hockey sense, great shot.

I don't think Lazar's upside is dynamic, why I have ranked a little lower. One of the safer bets to be a solid NHLer though in the draft.

I think Ottawa had their sights set on Lazar for a bit, but it's going to be interesting to see how the team works with another center now in the fold. I don't think the Zack Smith trade rumors are going away any time soon, with Jason Spezza, Kyle Turris, Mika Zibanejad, JG Pageau, and now the aforementioned Curtis Lazar in the mix.

The team could shift Lazar to the wing when he eventually makes the NHL-jump, but nothing's been said so far.

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