Kurtis MacDermid re-ups for two more years with Avalanche

To all the Kurtis MacDermid, “he shouldn’t be on the Avs or any other NHL team” haters: How do you like him now?

MacDermid was given a two-year contract extension this morning by the Avs, with an AAV of $987,500. The new cap hit will start taking effect next season. I think it’s a great signing, and that Big Mac has made a big difference for the team this year. Plenty will disagree with me on that I’m sure, but apparently not Joe Sakic.

From the team release:

MacDermid, 28, has skated in a career-high 53 games this season and ranks third on the Avalanche and second among Colorado defensemen with 96 hits. He has produced five points (2g/3a) and has dressed in 46 of Colorado’s last 50 contests, including a career-best 25 straight games from Dec. 2–Feb. 1 (Avs were 21-1-3 in those games). The 6-foot-5, 233-pound rearguard sits one goal, two assists and five points shy of his career highs in each category, all set during the 2019-20 campaign.

“Kurtis has done everything we’ve asked of him this season. He brings toughness and versatility to our lineup, playing both forward and defense, sometimes both in the same game,” said Avalanche Executive Vice President & General Manager Joe Sakic. “He’s a great teammate and well respected in our locker room.  We’re excited to have him under contract for two more years.”

Acquired by the Avalanche in a trade with the Seattle Kraken on July 27, 2021, Kurtis MacDermid has totaled 22 points (8g/14a) in 171 career NHL contests with Colorado and the Los Angeles Kings, who signed him as a free agent on Sept. 12, 2012. In 2020-21, he ranked first among Kings defensemen in shooting percentage (12.5%) and hits per 60 minutes (7.38).

MacDermid played parts of four seasons with the Kings’ American Hockey League affiliate, the Ontario Reign from 2015-19, totaling 57 points (16g/41a) in 194 career contests while adding three points (2g/1a) in 22 total Calder Cup Playoff outings.

The Sauble Beach, Ontario, native appeared in 201 career contests in the Ontario Hockey League from 2011-15, recording 70 points (16g/54a) for the Owen Sound Attack and Erie Otters. MacDermid added 11 points (0g/11a) in 36 OHL postseason games.