Curtis Lazar is staying with the Ottawa Senators beyond the 10-game mark, which uses up the first year on his entry-level deal with the club.

The rookie centre received the news on Wednesday ahead of Ottawa's game against the Minnesota Wild on Thursday night.

Lazar made a strong case for himself to remain in the NHL through nine games, recording three assists this season.

The Salmon Arm, B.C. native was drafted in the first round (17th overall) of the 2013 NHL Draft.