The New Jersey Devils announced that forward Curtis Lazar underwent successful knee surgery and will be out indefinitely.
#NEWS: Earlier today Devils forward Curtis Lazar underwent a successful left knee procedure.
He is out indefinitely, and updates will be provided as available.
📰: https://t.co/p6u6bp7Hqe pic.twitter.com/rWn1vGwUpS
— New Jersey Devils (@NJDevils) October 31, 2024
Lazar was injured during Sunday’s Devils’ 6-2 win over the Anaheim Ducks. The injury occurred during the early portion of the second period. Curtis Lazar entered the zone and was hit by Ducks captain Radko Gudas.
Curtis Lazar going down the tunnel after a collision. He was limping off and needing help. No weight on the left leg. #njdevils
— Jim Biringer (@JimBiringer) October 28, 2024
It appeared they had just clipped their knees. However, Lazar went to the ice hard in the collision and could not get up. A trainer helped him off the ice as the Devils forward could not put any weight on his left left and then went down the tunnel.
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Once he left the game in the second period, he did not return. Lazar played 4:40 against the Ducks. He was credited with one blocked shot, two hits, and a shot on goal during the game. He also had a winning percentage in the faceoff of 66.7 percent, winning four of six draws he took.
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This is a huge loss for the Devils in the faceoff dot, who have been relying heavily on captain Nico Hischier to do everything this season.
On the season, Lazar has recorded two points (a goal and an assist) playing on the fourth line with Nathan Bastian and, at times, Paul Cotter and, at other times, Ondrej Palat. Sheldon Keefe has been mixing and matching who has played on the fourth line this season.
With the New Jersey Devils out on their Western Canada Road Trip, the club has recalled forward Justin Dowling from Utica. He has joined the team in Vancouver and played in the Devils 6-0 victory over the Canucks, picking up a point.
