Los Angeles Kings‘ 6th year defenseman Derek Forbort(24) receives a nice pay bump heading into a contract year for the restricted free agent.
His current deal runs through the 2017/2018 calendar but he just received good news they’d like to keep him around for another two campaigns on a $2.525M AAV raise.
The big, punishing defender played a career high, full slate of 82 NHL games last season scoring a new best two goals, 16 assists and 18 points with a +8 rating.
He’s also off to a nice start this year with three assists and another +8 in just 8 appearances.
The 25-year old is likely looking at life in California long-term.
Derek Forbort (7)
Los Angeles Kings‘ former 1st round pick in the 2010 draft (#15 overall), 3rd year defenseman Derek Forbort(7) managed to make the NHL opening night roster but it took him three straight team losses out of the gate to crack the lineup.
The parent club has to be happy about inserting him as they’ve now won two straight.
The big 6’4″ 212 lbs. blue liner skated an average of 18 shifts for 10 minutes of ice time, 2 shots on net, 2 minutes in penalties, 2 giveaways, 1 breakup and a 0 rating.
Last season he put in a career high 4 goals with affiliate Manchester Monarchs on their way to winning the 2015 AHL Calder Cup Championship and also received his first recall for a couple of weeks before being sent back.
Still only 23 and in the final season of his entry level deal, he can be sent down to new farm club Ontario Reign without having to clear waivers but if the team continues to score wins it’s a good bet he’ll stay put.
Derek Forbort(3) Manchester Monarchs
Los Angeles Kings‘ 1st round pick in the 2010 draft (#15 overall) defenseman Derek Forbort(3) decided to ditch his fourth and final year of college hockey at University Of North Dakota and start his pro career, inking a 3-year entry level deal.
He signed an ato and skated in 6 regular season and 4 playoff games with minor league affiliate Manchester Monarchs, where he put up one assist.
After attending both prospect and official training camps with the parent club, the big 6’4″ 218 lbs. rejoins the Monarchs to begin his rookie season and in 8 AHL games already has his first goal and another helper with a +4 rating.
He was never quite known as a scorer, putting the puck in the net on a regular basis but has been effective with the outlet pass to get the play moving up ice for scoring chances and is known mostly for his shutdown defensive abilities.
The 21-year old also won back-to-back NCAA Championships, so knows what it takes to win, which was probably a factor in his top selection spot.