The Calgary Flames sent Curtis Lazar to the American Hockey League to open this season, with the thought that he could establish himself as a high-end minor league talent and eventually return to the National Hockey League. The plan is working fairly well so far, as Lazar has been named the Stockton Heat’s representative in the upcoming AHL All-Star Classic.

Lazar, 23, was acquired from the Ottawa Senators at the 2017 NHL trade deadline. He didn’t exactly set the world on fire for the Flames, playing almost entirely in the bottom six and putting up three goals and 15 points in 69 games. He was waived and sent to the AHL to open the 2018-19 season and has been very solid. Through 31 AHL games he has 11 goals and 25 points, emerging as one of Stockton’s leaders both on and off the ice.

The AHL All-Star Classic goes Jan. 28 in Springfield, MA.