24-year-old Sean Durzi is a 2018 draft pick that has been brought up through the Los Angeles Kings system and has shown himself to be one of the most underrated defensemen in the NHL.
Durzi spent time in the OHL with the Owen Sound Attack and the Guelph Storm. His lack of size in juniors was something scouts were skeptical about, but he has slowly proven he can contribute offensively while remaining sound defensively, and has become a mainstay on the Kings blue line.
In the 2019-20 and 2020-21 seasons, Durzi spent his time in the AHL with the Ontario Reign. Through 78 games, he had 6 goals and 28 assists for 34 points, while adding 52 penalty minutes. His two-way game remained impressive as he worked on his physical and defensive ability to translate it to an NHL level.
In the 2021-22 season, Durzi got his shot in the NHL. He played 13 games in the AHL getting 16 points, but played 64 games with the LA Kings, making a name for himself really quickly with a 3 goal and 24 assist performance. This season will be his first full year in the NHL, and he has started the year with 6 points through 12 games.
"“The young defenseman owns a lot of tools that other blueliners do not have. His vision with the puck is excellent, and he is learning when to take risks to join the offense (and when not to). He is also showing he can contribute on both special teams. Not the biggest defenseman by NHL standards, he will have to get stronger to play a more physical game and not rely solely on his active stick to break up plays.” – SportsForecaster"
The Kings’ blue line is often shadowed by the presence of Los Angeles hockey legend Drew Doughty. But, it’s hard not to notice Durzi when he’s out there. He’s constantly involved in the offence, always shutting down the play in his own zone, and sees the ice very well for a young D man. His two year contract extension with the Kings that he earned in the off-season gives him a chance to show why he can be a #1 blue liner anywhere in the NHL.
When he becomes available in free agency, assuming the Kings decide not to bring him back, I wouldn’t be shocked if every team in the NHL made an offer. At 25 years old, Durzi will be entering his prime and teams are always looking for improvements on the back end. He’s a stud, and definitely flying under the radar as one of the leagues better blueliners.