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When the New Jersey Devils traded a 2024 fourth-round pick to the Vancouver Canucks for Curtis Lazar at last year’s trade deadline, many weren’t sure what the Devils were getting. Fast forward to the present day, and it’s safe to say that not only has Lazar been productive, but he’s proving to be arguably one of the best pick-ups in Tom Fitzgerald’s time as the general manager. Through 23 games in the Garden State, the former first-round pick in 2013 has tallied four goals and seven points. That isn’t much, but the other parts of his game make him an invaluable player for New Jersey.
Lazar fits very well in head coach Lindy Ruff’s system for several reasons. The first is that he provides speed, which, for the bottom six, is certainly an asset. The Devils’ overall philosophy is about puck possession as well as speed. Lazar not only gets to pucks quickly in dirty areas, but also holds the puck for extended periods. That makes him a pain for the opposition to deal with when they’re already having issues with New Jersey’s high-powered top six. Lazar is a blue-collar-type player who will go after any puck battle and do what’s necessary to keep the pressure on.
Another reason is his physicality. It is reasonable to say that the Devils are not a physical bunch and need to add a bit more to withstand the elevated play in the playoffs. That being said, the Salmon Arm, British Columbia native can provide some hits here and there that not only send a message but give the team an energy boost. Lazar has done a good job balancing his speed and physicality, which makes it easy for Ruff to pencil him in each game.
Another reason is his physicality. It is reasonable to say that the Devils are not a physical bunch and need to add a bit more to withstand the elevated play in the playoffs. That being said, the Salmon Arm, British Columbia, native can provide some hits here and there that not only send a message but give the team an energy boost. Lazar has done a good job balancing his speed and physicality, which makes it easy for Ruff to pencil him in each game.
It should also be mentioned that Fitzgerald found a great value contract. When the Devils acquired Lazar, he had just signed a three-year deal with the Canucks before the start of the 2022-23 campaign. His average annual value is $1 million per year, which, considering his production, is an absolute steal. A deal like that allows the team to have Lazar and have plenty of space moving forward to continue to keep the core group around long-term. It’s another great move by Fitzgerald.
In just a short period, the man they call “LazarBeam” has become not just a favorite of Devils fans but an extremely popular player in the locker room for the club. His personality, as well as his style of play, makes him a true secret weapon on the team’s bottom six and will certainly be relied upon for not just the rest of the regular season but once the playoffs get underway. Who knows? Perhaps he has a flair for the dramatics when the stakes are at their highest. One thing is for sure, Lazar is a mainstay in the lineup for the foreseeable future for all he brings game in and game out.
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New Jersey Devils in Talks to Trade Two Expensive Players With Luke Hughes Contract on the Horizon
The New Jersey Devils are considering a trade of at least a pair of expensive players to have more cap room for a Luke Hughes extension, per analyst Luke Fox of Sportsnet. While New Jersey Devils general manager once described a contract extension for defenseman Luke Hughes as a major priority of his, the calendar has now turned to August and he still doesn't have a new contract. Given the delay in negotiations for the RFA defenseman, Devils fans are beginning to wonder what's going on. Per analyst Luke Fox of Sportsnet, the Devils are considering a trade of either Dougie Hamilton or Ondrej Palat to shed salary cap space to accommodate a new Hughes contract. Jersey only has roughly $7 million in cap space, which is why veteran names like Ondrej Palat and Hamilton have surfaced in trade speculation. Palat has 2 years left on his contract with an AAV (average annual value) of $6 million, while Hamilton has 3 years left with an AAV of $9 million. Tom Fitzgerald said Luke Hughes wants to remain in New Jersey Earlier in the summer, Fitzgerald spoke with urgency about getting Hughes signed to a new deal and said that Hughes wants to remain with the Devils. I talked to his agent (Tuesday). We said, 'Let's enjoy the holiday weekend and we'll start talking after. He's excited. He wants to be a Devil long term-just like his brother (Jack). We're excited about that. Players want to stay here. They want to be in New Jersey. They want to be part of something we're creating. The standards are getting higher with each year, which is exciting. I don't sense anything other than Luke wants to be a Devil for a long time. Taken with the 4th overall pick in the 2021 NHL Entry Draft, Hughes has 93 points (17G, 76A) in 155 career NHL games with the Devils.
Saints quarterback has 'convincing lead' in training camp battle
The New Orleans Saints' three-way quarterback competition is narrowing before the team's first preseason contest against the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday. Per Ross Jackson of Louisiana Sports, second-year quarterback Spencer Rattler has looked the best at training camp this summer, going 83-of-114 passing (72.8 percent) for eight touchdowns, two rushing touchdowns and four interceptions. Rattler is beating out rookie Tyler Shough. The second-round pick has completed just 62 percent of his passes for five touchdowns and three interceptions. 2023 fourth-round pick Jake Haener has completed 69.6 percent of his passes for five touchdowns and one Interception. Jackson believes first-year head coach Kellen Moore is priming Rattler as the favorite to start in Week 1 against the Arizona Cardinals. "Over the team’s 10 practices, these three young passers have seen their chance to earn the starting role to begin the season in a rotation of first-team reps," Jackson wrote. "But there are decisions the Saints have made in the process that indicate a favorite. "After looking over individual performance stats, practice rep distribution and the team’s treatment of each quarterback throughout the important and highly-productive scrimmages on camp day 10, it’s become clear that Rattler is comfortably in the lead, for now." Jackson thinks Rattler can fend off his "convincing lead" for the starting job if he plays competently against the Chargers on Sunday. Rattler feels like the safe choice for Moore over Shough and Haener, at least to start the regular season. He appeared in seven games and started in six in 2024. Rattler played inconsistently as a rookie, throwing four touchdowns to five interceptions. However, he's had time to develop. Given his numbers in training camp, Rattler appears to be the most polished quarterback before the regular season. Shough could eventually develop into the Saints' best option, but the rookie's completion percentage against friendly competition at camp is low before he even faces live action in the preseason.
Three potential landing spots for disgruntled Bills RB James Cook
Superstar pass-rusher Micah Parsons and the Dallas Cowboys aren't the only ones involved in a contract dispute. Buffalo Bills star running back James Cook is seeking a pay raise as he heads into the final year of his rookie contract. When asked Sunday why he wasn't practicing, Cook responded: "Business." ESPN insider Adam Schefter noted on Monday the hold-in by Cook, the 2022 second-round pick (63rd overall) who is unhappy with his contract situation. For now, Cook's future with the Bills is in question, so let's look at three teams that should be lighting up general manager Brandon Beane's phone in an attempt to pry him from Buffalo. Chicago Bears GM Ryan Poles must continue to add weapons around second-year QB Caleb Williams. Per NFL.com, Chicago ranked 25th in the league in rushing yards (102 per game) and 29th in yards per carry (four) last season, which is not good enough to support a young QB. RB D'Andre Swift (253 carries, 959 yards rushing, 3.8 yards per carry) is a solid option but was inefficient last season in the workhorse role. Cook, who rushed for 1,009 yards last season (4.9 per carry), is an efficient runner who could balance this offense. Chicago has the draft capital and salary-cap space (roughly $13M, per Over The Cap) to get a deal done, particularly if it were to send Swift back the other way. Arizona Cardinals Their offense could reach new heights with a dynamic running back like Cook. James Conner, who rushed for a career-high 1,094 yards last season, has been a solid lead runner in Arizona over the past four years, but the 30-year-old could use help. Conner is a power back. Speedster Cook would bring a different style and create an explosive one-two punch with QB Kyler Murray. Per Over The Cap, Arizona has roughly $35M in cap space and all its own draft picks to get a deal done. It's a move it must consider to compete in the loaded NFC West. Minnesota Vikings What better way is there to aid rookie QB J.J. McCarthy than by trading for a high-end running back? Minnesota has perhaps the best receiving groups in the NFL, so improving the run game could make this offense unstoppable. Running back Aaron Jones will turn 31 on Dec. 2, so Cook — who will turn 26 on Sept. 25 — would be an upgrade. Free-agent RB Dalvin Cook, who has a similar running style to James, his brother, rushed for 1,173 yards with the Vikings in 2022. The Vikings have draft picks to make a solid offer, and while their cap space will get tight in 2026, they can find ways to wiggle their way around it. Perhaps Buffalo would be interested in Jones being a part of the deal to help its backfield in the short term.
Tiger Woods Sends Strong Message to Retiring CBS Broadcaster on Sunday
At Sedgefield Country Club in Greensboro, North Carolina, Sunday’s final round of the 2025 Wyndham Championship closed out the PGA Tour’s regular season. It also marked the end of an era for one of golf’s most revered broadcasters. For the last time, Ian Baker-Finch manned the hole-announcing microphone for CBS Sports, capping 30 years in the booth following a playing career that peaked with his victory at the 1991 Open Championship. Before the day was over, Tiger Woods took to X to salute "Finchy." "Congrats Finchy for 30 incredible years behind the microphone. You brought insight into things that the viewing audience could understand and relate to. From all of us—thanks for the memories." The message joined tributes from Jack Nicklaus, Jason Day, Adam Scott and others, underscoring Baker-Finch’s standing among champions past and present. Ian Baker-Finch: From Major Champion to Broadcast Mainstay Baker-Finch turned pro in 1979, winning 17 professional tournaments worldwide. His lone major title came at Royal Birkdale in 1991, where he secured the Open Championship by five strokes. After retiring in the mid-1990s, Baker-Finch transitioned smoothly into broadcasting. He cut his teeth as an analyst on Australian television before joining ESPN and ABC in 1998. In 2007, he became CBS Sports’ dedicated hole announcer, a role he held through 2025, calling golf’s defining moments with a blend of technical acumen and warm delivery. Over 19 seasons with CBS, he covered five Masters and contributed to countless PGA Tour telecasts. Throughout Woods’ five green-jacket haul (1997, 2001, 2002, 2005, 2019), Baker-Finch was a trusted on-course voice that helped demystify championship golf for television audiences. As a player, Baker-Finch remains one of only seven Australian men to win a major championship and is one of a select few to dominate links golf on British soil. As a broadcaster, Baker-Finch’s voice guided generations of fans through golf’s signature moments, shaping how millions understand the game’s subtleties. When the G.O.A.T. of professional golf uses his platform to honor your contribution to the sport, it signals a broadcast career worth remembering.
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