Curtis Lazar is back, and Kris Knoblauch has just brought in a player that the Edmonton Oilers really needed.
This change is happening at the right time.
Lazar has come off long-term injured reserve right before they play against the Anaheim Ducks.
This isn’t a coincidence.
This is about having more choices again before things get more intense.
Oilers add depth for final push
Lazar isn’t here to shake up the top six players.
That’s not what he’s meant to do.
He will join the bottom six, speed things up, and give Knoblauch more options on the fourth line. That’s where it counts.
As the season goes on, depth forwards become more important than just filling spots.
The #Oilers have activated forward Curtis Lazar from long-term injured reserve ahead of today’s game vs. Anaheim. pic.twitter.com/H823zeoh6p
— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) March 28, 2026
They play on the penalty kill, deal with matchups, and bring energy to the game. Lazar is perfect for that.
For Edmonton, it’s all about balance. The Oilers rely a lot on their star players, but they still need dependable players in the lower part of the lineup. That’s what Lazar can do.
He plays a straightforward game. He goes in straight lines, puts pressure while checking, and plays responsibly when he doesn’t have the puck.
These details are more crucial now than they were in October. This also brings more competition within the team.
When someone comes off LTIR, usually another player has to step aside.
This encourages everyone to perform better.
Spots on the bottom six aren’t guaranteed like before.
Knoblauch now has a reliable option. And that can change how things go each night. The opponent is important too.
Anaheim isn’t the toughest team, but games like this still need a solid plan. Especially for a team that wants to secure its playoff spot.
This isn’t a big headline move. But it’s very practical.
And those moves can often influence how a team performs in April.
Lazar adds another piece for the Oilers.
Now, it’s all about how they use him.
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