I think Lazar has been one of our best forwards thus far, and the Michalek/Smith/Lazar line has been great, but if he wants to, let the kid go. He's got a long career ahead of him. I doubt there's any young Canadians who would want to pass up the chance to play for their country. Let him go lead his country to a gold medal, have fun, show off, and soak up the experience, it's his last opportunity for the world juniors, doubt he's happy with last year's result and would relish the chance to get the gold. If he wants that chance to go to the World Juniors, why stop him?
It's not a question of whether this or that will help his development. When you look at the kid, the way he works, the way he talks. He's going to take everything he can from his experience, wherever it may come from. He is going to be working his tail off to continue to improve, be it at the Juniors or in the NHL. He seems like a proud kid, he seems like he wants to win at every level. If he wants the opportunity to play in the tournament again, if he thinks he can win for Canada while still helping the Senators have a good season, why stop him? You have to trust that he's going to make the most of his opportunities wherever he is.