Senators' Lazar to begin season in AHL following illness

The Ottawa Senators are sending Curtis Lazar to Binghamton to begin the new season.

The forward missed training camp due to a bout of mono, and general manager Pierre Dorion said a stint with the minor-league club will help Lazar get up to speed.

"We received some good news regarding Curtis on Monday in that he has been medically cleared to take contact," Dorion said Tuesday in a statement. "Knowing that, we then met with the coaches and player and made the decision that the best and fastest way for him to get ready to both play and succeed in the NHL is for him to go to Binghamton.

"He'll have the opportunity there to immediately play big minutes and in all situations, something that is necessary for him to get back into game shape."

Dorion added he expects Lazar to remain an important piece for Ottawa, and to rejoin the club soon.