As with many first rounders, particularly those that are drafted by Canadian markets, the hype and expectations surrounding Lazar were simply too high in Ottawa. The same thing happened here with Backlund, with many wondering why he wasn't playing on the top line and putting up 50-60 points in his first few years in the league.
I'm not sure if Lazar will ever be a top line player, but he doesn't have to be for the Flames to win this trade. Being a solid two way player that can fill out a third line role and put up 35-40 points or so would be huge for this team moving forward. If he can play a 3rd/4th line role on this team over the next 3 years and be groomed to eventually replace a guy like Frolik or Brouwer, I'd be ecstatic.
The second in this years draft isn't much to give up at all, considering the depth of this years draft. This is a big win for the Flames.
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