LAS VEGAS, NV - A game on NHL Trade Deadline Day can sometimes result in weird vibes with players moving out or on rare occasions swapping dressing rooms but for the New Jersey Devils, there was excitement. The team added a player: Curtis Lazar in a trade with Vancouver.
"He definitely can help us out as well," said Devils captain Nico Hischier. "I played against him a lot. He's a gritty guy and not easy to play against. The kind of guy you like to see added."
Coach Lindy Ruff talked about all the aspects that Lazar will be able to help the team.
"If you look at a guy like that, real good depth for us," Ruff began. "Strong player. Guy that can step into the middle and win draws. Right-handed face-off guy, can play the wing, penalty killer. It really adds to the depth. Every team is going to deal with injuries. Right now we're doing really good but it's important to have players like that who can help you out."
Damon Severson knows Lazar well, spending his summers with him in Kelowna.
"I train with him in the offseason. We both live in Kelowna in the summer. Golf buddies. I think he's excited. I'm looking forward to having him come to New Jersey," Severson stated. "His biggest asset is his work ethic. He's a guy who can bring it no matter what. He's good on the penalty kill, good on the forecheck and does have a knack as a shooter, too. He's got a good shot. I've seen him get off a couple of times."
LINEUP UPDATES
With all the talk about Lazar, he won't be in the lineup tonight. He said he was hopeful for Arizona but might have to wait until Tuesday against Toronto to make his Devils debut.
Another player who won't be making his Devils debut tonight is Timo Meier. He has been cleared for contact but the club would like him to at least get a full practice in to see how he is. The team will be practicing tomorrow in Arizona.
"Now just get him heavier practices. Good workout in today, good workout tomorrow and we'll see where he's at for the Arizona game," said Ruff.
Lines at morning skate mirrored what they were on Wednesday in Denver:
Tatar - Hischier - Mercer
Sharangovich - Hughes - Bratt
Palat - Haula - Boqvist
Wood - McLeod - Bastian
Siegenthaler - Hamilton
Graves - Marino
Bahl - Severson
Based on who was in the starter's net, Akira Schmid looks likely to get the nod between the pipes but Ruff did not confirm.
ROSTER MOVES
The club today assigned Graeme Clarke back to Utica of the AHL.
