The Los Angeles Kings signed restricted free agent defenseman Sean Durzi to a two-year contract extension worth $3.4 million, or $1.7 million per season. This contract carries him through the 2023-24 season.
DURZ!
We have signed @seandurzi to a two-year extension 👇
— LA Kings (@LAKings) September 15, 2022
Durzi Re-Signs With Kings
Following an impressive rookie season with the Kings, Durzi has been rewarded with an extension after his first full NHL season. Durzi suited up in 64 games for the Kings in 2021-22, tallying three goals and 24 assists. He was originally drafted in the second round, 52nd overall of the 2018 NHL draft by the Toronto Maple Leafs. Durzi was traded to the Kings in 2019 in a deal that sent defenseman Jake Muzzin to the Maple Leafs.
Durzi began the season with the AHL’s Ontario Reign, accumulating 16 points in 13 games.
In his 64 NHL games, Durzi registered a 51.56% Corsi, and a 54.5% On-Ice Expected Goals, from MoneyPuck. The ongoing progress of Durzi’s extension was first mentioned by ESPN and NHL Network Analyst, Kevin Weekes.
**Keep an eye 👁 on**
I’m told the @LAKings are closing in on a Contract Extension with D Sean Durzi. @espn @NHL @NHLNetwork #HockeyTwitter pic.twitter.com/l4lHniKQWx— Kevin Weekes (@KevinWeekes) September 15, 2022
What This Means for the Future
In his sophomore season, Durzi looks to build on an impressive first year with the Kings. After injuries created an opening in the lineup, Durzi took the opportunity and ran with it. Using the two-way game that he’s developed since his time in the OHL with Guelph and Owen Sound, Durzi became a dual threat in all zones, creating opportunities for himself and his teammates while also transitioning out of the Kings zone effectively.
Expect Durzi to feature heavily in the Kings’ upcoming season, as he looks to move his way up the lineup. His most common partner from the 2021-22 season, Olli Maatta, signed with the Red Wings in the offseason, which leaves some uncertainty as to where he slots into the Kings defensive group. In limited minutes, Durzi showed great production with partner Mikey Anderson. The pairing had a 52.3% Corsi in just over 40 minutes together last season.
As the season approaches, the Kings will likely plug Durzi into different pairings to ensure they get the most out of his two-way game. While he projects well moving forward, there is a chance that the Kings look to shelter him as he develops at the NHL level. As he did last season, Durzi will look to force their hand to gain more opportunities in the top-four.
Main Photo:
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