Flames' Curtis Lazar: Protected from expansion draft

The Flames announced Saturday that they have protected Lazar from the upcoming NHL expansion draft, Eric Francis of Sportsnet reports.

Lazar didn't produce much in 2016-17, finishing the season with just four points over 37 contests. He wore out his welcome in Ottawa by tallying just one assist through 33 games, averaging just 8:49 of ice time with the Senators. He only had a short stint with the Flames at the end of the campaign, but turned it into three points in four games. Still just 22 years of age, perhaps a change of environment will unlock some of the 2013 first-round pick's potential.