Kings Article: Kurtis MacDermid's Time With The LA Kings Might Be Starting Now

[FrozenRoyalty]

One look at Los Angeles Kings defenseman Kurtis MacDermid often gives people the impression that he's a tough, physical player who can probably drop the gloves with anyone.

Those who think that would not be wrong. Earlier in his career, that's primarily what MacDermid was. But after a couple of seasons in the American Hockey League with the Ontario Reign, he has become much more than that, and is now on the verge of making it to the National Hockey League.
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You can read all about MacDermid's story at...

https://frozenroyalty.net/2017/09/28/kurtis-macdermid

Click to read more...

 

[Johnny Utah]

Exactly. White goes after Kopitar and MacD destroys him. Haven't seen that in years from any Kings player.

 

[Raccoon Jesus]

Was hoping to read about his physical testing, which was reported as phenomenal, but this expansion is gold, Gann

"
For Kurtis, who, at the time was more limited, he came in and he put up numbers that blew people away in the fitness tests. It got to the point where, it was like, ‘Kurtis…maybe take yoga, or something.’ He was almost getting too big and too rigid. He had to learn to relax and to enjoy the game.”

“He was almost too ripped, to the point where he was almost immobile,” Futa added. “He was robotic. Now you’re seeing a much more relaxed, fluid stride from him. It’s something he’s got to continue to work at because he’s a mountain, an absolute mountain. Our volunteers were fleeing for their lives as he walked around the room, doing his fitness tests. It was a frightening thing. You expected to hear WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment) entrance music. That’s not only about how big he is, but how intense he was.”"

I'd love to be wrong about him and his abilities because he obviously has the right attitude, but nothing I had seen in Ontario had suggested he could ever be more than a glass and out guy. Sounds like the development team has really poured a lot in. Would love him to be a success story.

 

[Reaper45]

I, along with JU and BigKing have been saying no way they waive him because the staff loves him and that he'd get claimed in a heartbeat.

 

[lumbergh]

I think he'd make a great partner for Alec Martinez. Could step into Matt Greene's shoes if he can just stay in good position and clear the crease. Glad to see a physical presence who isn't afraid to drop the gloves or the hammer on a big hit.

 

[kingsboy11]

I'm still not sold on him being a consistent NHL player, but I really want him to make it. You just got to love guys who are willing to go through a wall for their teammates. I think its very rare to find younger players like him these days. Much like Auger I didn't see an nhl future for him, but it goes to show you really can't give up on a player with his kind of worth ethic. He's made tremendous strides over the past couple of seasons.

 

[BigKing]

This defense is not set and forget so there is nothing wrong with keeping him as the #7.

He brings something nobody else on the team can bring which is worth more than a power play specialist.

The current leadership group has always played better when they felt "safe". Love that Futa specifically mentioned the Tkachuk incident. That was the final nail in the coffin for the Kings golden age: time to re-establish an identity.

 

[Kingspiracy]

A good read Gann, thanks

 

[Sol]

A mountain of a man that can pummel anyone into oblivion. I like it. And he can play.

 

[Fishhead]

His effort and desire is trumping that of our other young players looking for a spot. He was not a player I was expecting to step up in camp, but great for him, he's really turned some heads.

 

[Bondoao1]

I think he'd make a great partner for Alec Martinez. Could step into Matt Greene's shoes if he can just stay in good position and clear the crease. Glad to see a physical presence who isn't afraid to drop the gloves or the hammer on a big hit.

I was thinking the same.

 

[BallPointHammer]

Could KMD become a Marty McSorley?

 

[KingCanadain1976]

He still needs to show he can take a regular shift imo. Yes hes been ok but its been limited mins so far. He needs to play at least 15 mins a game before i would say hes a decent nhl defense man.

 

[Ziggy Stardust]

Could KMD become a Marty McSorley?

I think he has the tools to be another Sean O'Donnell, someone who could punish opposing forwards, clear the front of the net, chip in on occasion, and be a defenseman who could protect all of his teammates and would not hesitate to do so.

Marty really developed his skills and became quite the productive defenseman while also being one of the best fighters in the NHL, and I'm not sure if MacDermid would reach that level, but having another McSorley on the blueline would be a very welcome addition. Marty was one of my favorite Kings of all-time.

 

[King'sPawn]

Could KMD become a Marty McSorley?

I think he has the tools to be another Sean O'Donnell, someone who could punish opposing forwards, clear the front of the net, chip in on occasion, and be a defenseman who could protect all of his teammates and would not hesitate to do so.

Marty really developed his skills and became quite the productive defenseman while also being one of the best fighters in the NHL, and I'm not sure if MacDermid would reach that level, but having another McSorley on the blueline would be a very welcome addition. Marty was one of my favorite Kings of all-time.

I agree. I loved McSorely, and he left awfully big shoes to fill. I don't think MacDermid would be quite the impactful player McSorely was, but I do think he can be a solid bottom 4 player (decent middle pair/good bottom pair).

 

[damacles1156]

This young man seems to want a roster spot more than the others, and it shows.

 

[KingCanadain1976]

If what Mr raccoon said about him not needing waivers to go down is true MacDermid is going down and Ladue Folin and Fantenberg make this team imo.

 

[Statto]

I wouldn't have risked him in waivers but given the change in understanding it is better he goes down and plays rather than sitting and only playing selected games. Long term he will be a better player for it.

 

[Kingsfan1]

I don't think Macdermid is ready , now he has shown lot of promise and will continue to get better with more experience but I did want to see him make the team only so he can beat the f***kkkkk out of Tkachuk over n over n over again .

 

[Statto]

I don't think Macdermid is ready , now he has shown lot of promise and will continue to get better with more experience but I did want to see him make the team only so he can beat the ****kkkkk out of Tkachuk over n over n over again .

As he is waiver exempt there is every chance you will get your wish regardless. Here's hoping...

 

[regulate]

Apparently word came out this morning that Dermy does not have to go through waivers as many of us thought (CapFriendly too), and Rosen said that word is Fantenberg has the inside track to stick, so there seems to be a likely hood that he is going back to ONT.

 

[tonellisghost]

I got a chance to see allot of him over the past 3 seasons and believe that we have an excellent prospect/up and coming dman here. I see him as a #3/4 guy once he gets his game up to the NHL level. He has the tools and soon he will have the experience.

 

[regulate]

MacDermid is the only new guy that didn't change his number. Maybe he know's he is a temp employee? Or he just really likes 56 for some reason. He has a lot of work to due on his quickness in decision making with the puck.

 

[BigKing]

Wouldn't be the first King in recent memory to not change his number.

74-71-73-70

Besides, it is a great linebacker number which fits his style.

 

[Ziggy Stardust]

He’s just paying homage to another King legend by keeping #56.