LAZAR FEELING REJUVENATED AHEAD OF SEASON

Curtis Lazar is one motivated young man.
After struggling to find his foothold with the Ottawa Senators in 2016-17, the 22-year-old got a fresh start with the Flames when he was traded to Calgary on Mar. 1. He managed three points in four games with Calgary and thoroughly enjoyed this time with his new team.
A restricted free agent this summer, the forward came to an agreement with the Flames on a two-year deal with an average annual value of $950,000 on Jul. 14.
"I feel great," Lazar told CalgaryFlames.com "Getting a small taste at the end of the season in Calgary really motivated me and excited me for the future.

"My last season (in Ottawa) was so disappointing - I couldn't stay healthy and then I was in and out of the lineup and whatnot. I'm (looking forward) to rediscovering my passion for the game and being the player I grew up being, which allowed me to get drafted in the first round.
"I can do that. I know what it takes. I know I have the confidence to be myself and the support from the coaching staff. If I can hit the ground running at training camp, the rest will take care of itself.
"I knew this deal was going to get done at some point but to have it done right now and being able to focus on next season and the task at hand - winning hockey games - really puts my mind at ease."
In addition to having more confidence in his own game, Lazar sees plenty of potential in the Flames roster heading into to the 2017-18 season.
With younger players expected to take another step in their development and adding the likes of Mike Smith, Eddie Lack and Travis Hamonic to the mix, Lazar can see Calgary making plenty of noise in the Western Conference.
"I think everyone as a whole is very excited for this year. The organization has done a great job of putting the pieces in place for us to be successful.
"Now, it's just a matter of getting on the ice and putting in the work.
"It's a special group that we have. We're a young team that's up and coming but that doesn't mean we don't have the opportunity to win now.
"It's an exciting time to be a Calgary Flame. I'm itching to get the season going."