LA Kings: Three players on the outs when the prospects arrive
By Ryan Sikes
3. Kurtis MacDermid
Kurtis MacDermid is currently looking at just barely making the roster as the seventh defenseman. The LA Kings extended him on a two-year deal in April, after logging 45 games in the NHL this past season. MacDermid tallied three goals with five assists in 13:43 average on-ice time. At 6-foot-5, 230 pounds, the Ontario native was one of the more physical blue liners on the Kings, logging the fifth-most hits (95).
He’s more of a stay-at-home defenseman, and it’s important to have balance, but he’s also clinging to a roster spot right now. With Tobias Bjornfot likely to be a regular in the lineup next year, along with the potential for Ben Hutton to return, playing time could be hard to come by. The Kings are also reportedly interested in bringing in a UFA defender.
Of these three, who is the most expendable player for the #LAKings when prospects are called up?
— Ryan Sikes (@ryan_sikes10) August 3, 2020
As alluded to, MacDermid offered little offensively, with a 50.5 CorsiFor percentage and a -1.4 CorsiRel value. According to Evolving Hockey, the 26-year-old was good for a -5.8 GAR, broken down by a -2.8 oGAR and -2.1 dGAR, meaning he’s expendable. I get the contract extension, but at an $875,000 AAV, he’s also extremely tradeable.
Next. Team can follow Oilers rebuild model. dark
Teams lacking in physicality would be good matches for MacDermid, who can at least jar the puck away from would-be attackers, but he doesn’t have a long-term future in LA. Add in the fact that Kale Clague and Mikey Anderson will be garnering playing time as well, MacDermid’s days as a King are numbered.