Unser Regelwerk » Derby, which is held the night before the All-Star Ga

OTTAWA -- Expectations are nothing new for Curtis Lazar and he has every intention of living up to them. The Senators first overall pick -- 17th overall -- in the 2013 NHL Entry Draft is expected to make a strong case for himself to remain in the NHL this season, and the challenge starts Saturday with the Senators rookie tournament in London, Ont. "Theres been a lot of speculation this summer, but Im just happy to come here and play," said Lazar, as Ottawas rookies took part in some testing. "Wherever I go, I try and have as much success as possible, but at the same time if things dont go my way its a learning curve. You dont want to get down on yourself." The Senators are of a similar mindset. While its clear they have high hopes for the 19-year-old, they want to ensure that in the end they make the best decision for not only the player, but also the organization. Lazar has already earned an invitation to the Senators main camp and assistant general manager Randy Lee says Lazar will be given every opportunity to prove he belongs in the NHL. "We just want Curtis to be Curtis," said Lee. "Hes a very competitive guy. He always plays right; hes always in the right spot. Hes good defensively, hes good without the puck and can contribute offensively." Lazar will need to be at his best to earn a full-time position with the Senators as they have few options for the young star. Its either make the Senators or be returned to the Western Hockey Leagues Edmonton Oil Kings. "We want to see whats best for him down the road," said Lee. "We dont want to look back in three years or five years and say we did a disservice to him. "You want to put him in a position to succeed to make sure at the end of the year hes a better player." Lazar says he will accept whatever decision the Senators make, but theres no denying he has little left to prove on the junior stage. Last season Lazar led the Oil Kings in goals, with 41, was second in team scoring with 76 points, and was instrumental in leading Edmonton to a Memorial Cup. In addition, he was a member of Canadas world junior team. If the Senators have any question regarding Lazar its how he will find the ability to shine after an exhausting year and a half of commitments. Since being drafted Lazar has gone through two conditioning camps, a rookie camp and one main camp with the Senators. Hes also been through two world junior summer evaluation camps and played a significant role at the world junior tournament. Thats in addition to a full season with the Oil Kings as well as four rounds of playoffs and a trip to the Memorial Cup. "Thats a lot of games for a young player, for any player," said Lee. "He needs to make sure to take some days off. He needs to manage his recovery so he can be at his best." Knowing he would be facing the pressures of the NHL Lazar made a conscious effort to add some muscle to his six-foot frame. "Im about 10 to 15 pounds heavier and it just makes me comfortable in my body and getting to play in Edmonton the last couple of weeks has helped me get used to myself and Ill see how I can do against the pros in the next few weeks," he said. Lazar lives in Vernon, B.C., but spent most of the time training in Kelowna, B.C., at the same facility as Josh Gorges. The Buffalo Sabres defenceman took the young centre under his wing and offered some sound advice. "A big part of it is just to try and enjoy it," said Lazar. "Theres so much going on and people say theres pressure, but I dont like to see it that way. Its a great opportunity and Im looking forward to thriving in this situation and just being myself. Whatever Ive been doing its gotten me in this situation so why change it. Im going to go out there and keep on smiling." While he plans on enjoying the experience, Lazar did admit to feeling a little nervous knowing whats at stake. "Ive felt quite a few emotions over this summer," admitted Lazar. "Im nervous, Im excited, but ultimately Im quite happy and proud of myself for putting myself in this situation. Theres not much left to do but just go out on the ice and not give them an excuse to send me back down." Lazar has played the majority of his career at centre, but should he make the Senators it would likely be as a right-winger. "We think it would be best suited for us if he was a winger," admitted Lee. "Hes really good along the walls, but the fact that he can play both is great. The fact that he can take face-offs is great, but he is very good along the walls and hes always in the right position. Hes a very dependable player so hell have no problem playing on the wing. "If a centre position opened up we would have no problem putting him there." NOTES: After three seasons working in scouting and as a development consultant Jason Smith will now be part of the Senators coaching staff working primarily with the teams defencemen. Former Senator Shean Donovan was hired as a player development consultant and will work with the Senators, the AHLs Binghamton Senators and the ECHL Evansville IceMen coaching staff. Kris Dunn Jersey .C. -- The Carolina Panthers announced Thursday theyve signed free agent wide receiver Jerricho Cotchery to a two-year contract, helping rebuild a depleted wide receiving corps. John Paxson Jersey .C. -- Kevin Harvick won his first career pole at Darlington Raceway on Friday as he looks to chase his first Southern 500. http://www.authenticbullsauthority.com/nikola-mirotic-bulls-jersey-c-20/ . According to TSN Hockey Insider Darren Dreger, the New York Rangers winger skated with extras and goalies today. Denzel Valentine Jersey . Serves hit by her surgically repaired shoulder often missed the mark, resulting in 12 double-faults. Zach LaVine Jersey . TSN 1290s coverage begins with Hustler & Lawless at 3pm. Rick Ralph hosts the Official Jets Pre-game Show at 5pm.TORONTO – Jose Bautista missed his fourth consecutive game with an injured left hamstring when the Blue Jays took the field against the White Sox on Thursday night. He confirmed he wouldnt be able to play on Friday night either. But Bautista is progressing. “Better,” he said. “That is the best way I can describe it. It feels better than when it happened, better than the day after. So theres been a lot of progress. But Im obviously not ready to play, not today.” The first tests of Bautistas hamstring were passed on Monday and Tuesday. “Just to make sure I didnt need to go on the DL,” he said. The next test will be conducted on Saturday morning, hours before the third game of this four-game series. Bautista will run a series of sprints and, if his leg holds up, hell be available to at least pinch hit on the weekend. The Jays havent faced a left-handed starting pitcher since the Cardinals Jaime Garcia on June 8, a span of 17 games. Chicago will send three left-handers to the mound from Friday to Sunday, including most difficult challenges on Saturday (ace Chris Sale: 6-1, 2.27 ERA) and Sunday (Jose Quintana: 4-7, 3.69 ERA). Bautistas right-handed power bat would be especially welcomed. He admitted it can be difficult to remain patient as the hamstring heals. “Its tough because I dont want to handcuff the team by not being available,” said Bautista. “But at the same time I dont think I need the extra week to come back and, after two weeks, you normally would have to get some at-bats somewhere. I just dont want to go through that process because I dont feel like I need it.” In 77 games this season, Bautista is hitting .305/.433/.526 with 15 home runs and 59 walks to 48 strikeouts. He is baseballs leader in on-base percentage (.433) and bases-on-balls. Defensively, Bautistas eight outfield assists place him in a three-way tie for second. BAUTISTA CALLS FOR SUPPORT FOR ENCARNACION Edwin Encarnacion entered Thursdays action with 24 home runs, making him the major league co-leader with Baltimores Nelson Cruz. He is listed as a designated hitter on the All-Star fan voting ballot and currently sits fourth at the posittion behind Cruz, Bostons David Ortiz and Victor Martinez of the Tigers.dddddddddddd Jose Bautista isnt happy about it. If the fans dont put Encarnacion into the game, Bautista expects the American League manager will. That man: former Jays skipper John Farrell. “How could you not pick the guy who is leading the league in home runs and RBIs?” asked Bautista. “Im surprised still that the fans havent come out and supported him better and hes not leading the votes for his position, but you cant control that as much as you can control a manager picking a player.” Encarnacion captured the imagination of Toronto fans and baseball in general with his 16-home run May. “I think, either way he should make the team,” said Bautista. “It would be a huge disappointment and let-down to all fans if you dont have a guy like Edwin dressed up for that game. No matter if its the other players or the manager picking him.” Bautista is the captain of the American League team for the annual Home Run Derby, which is held the night before the All-Star Game. Players who take part in the derby dont have to be participants in the game. However, Encarnacion has already told Bautista he wants no part of the derby. Bautista is actively recruiting potential derby-mates. He plans to speak to Chicagos rookie slugger, Jose Abreu (23 home runs) at some point this weekend. “I dont want to pick guys that dont want to do it and I dont want to force guys into doing it if they dont really feel like it, if theyre uncomfortable or they have some health issues,” said Bautista. “I want to win this, so Im not going to pick anybody who is going to be reserved in any way when they go and pick up a bat.” TOLLESONS VISION IMPROVING Steve Tolleson replaced Juan Francisco at third base in the seventh inning of Thursdays game against the White Sox, his first action on the homestand. He began suffering from dryness of the eyes and blurred vision on the last road trip. Tolleson made a Thursday visit to a cornea specialist, his fourth trip to an eye doctor in as many days, and came away with the diagnosis of an allergic reaction to contact lenses. ' ' '