When the Los Angeles Kings drafted Markus Phillips 118th overall in the 4th round of the 2017 draft he was not an elite defenseman or a commonly known name.
He was, however, someone who knew what his abilities were and was destined to show teams they passed on potentially rising star defensemen. Yesterday, he signed a 3 year, entry-level contract with the Los Angeles Kings, reported by NHL.com
He most likely will not be a Norris trophy winner but has the potential to be a top 4 defensemen on the Kings. He has the offensive upside, and defensive awareness, of a former King Rob Blake. The 6-0, 202 lb Phillips was a half a point per game player in the OHL with the Owen Sound Attack and the Guelph Storm. This past season saw him post 5 goals, 21 assists for 26 points in 62 games. He also posted 48 penalty minutes and was a +17. In his OHL playing career, he has 31 goals and 89 assists for 120 points in 259 games, while also contributing 149 penalty minutes and a +56.
Markus Phillips has the capability to be a top pairing defenseman who plays in the top 4 and can also quarterback the PowerPlay. The Kings do not really have a star defensive prospect in the system who can contribute on both sides of the ice and Phillips fits that bill. The Kings may have found a stud blueliner in the 4th round and he is showing signs that he’s ready. He might be patrolling the Kings blueline before you know it so gets to know this young man as he looks to be a good one.
When do you think he will be a Kings regular? What are your thoughts on him?
Photo: NHL.com Stats: NHL.com
