The deal is done. Sean Durzi, who was one of the pieces acquired from the Toronto Maple Leafs in the Jake Muzzin deal, has signed an entry-level contract with the Los Angeles Kings.
This is something that was much needed to ensure the Kings start building up the defensive corps with prospects who can help in the near future.
Durzi, a 20-year-old defenseman, has scored 140 points in 180 career games with the Owen Sound Attack and Guelph Storm of the OHL. The 6-0, 196 lb offensive defensemen could play a key role in L.A. for years to come, providing something that the Kings don’t have much of – a defenseman who can supply the same offense as Drew Doughty. The 2018 2nd round pick, 52nd overall by the Maple Leafs (eliteprospects.com), is small by NHL standards. However, he makes up for it in production.
Although he has only played 180 games over 5 years he has proven he can be a puck moving, offensive defensemen. He can play a physical game without racking up a lot of penalty minutes. He also has a very well rounded defensive game as well. He no longer has anything to prove in the OHL so he will either play next season in the NHL with the Kings or be playing his first pro season with the Ontario Reign in the AHL. From here on out where he plays is all up to Durzi himself. He will be at prospect camp and maybe the main camp but he has to prove he belongs and possibly be on the opening night roster. He has tremendous upside and fits well with the Kings and their systems.
The question is how fast does he make it up to the main roster and does he stick?
Photo: tsn.ca
