Derek Forbort Bio
Derek Forbort (born March 4, 1992) is an American professional ice hockey defenseman for the Vancouver Canucks of the National Hockey League (NHL). He previously played for the Los Angeles Kings, Calgary Flames, Winnipeg Jets, and Boston Bruins. He was originally selected by the Kings, 15th overall, in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft.
Early Life and Background
Derek Forbort was born in Duluth, Minnesota. He began his hockey career at a young age, showing promise as a defenseman. Forbort played his junior season of high school hockey for Duluth East High School in 2008–09, finishing with 28 points in 21 games and earning recognition as a regional All-Star. He completed the season by playing nine games with the USA Hockey National Team Development Program (USNTDP) in the United States Hockey League (USHL).
Path to Hockey
Forbort played his first full season with the USNTDP in 2009–10, scoring 4 goals and 14 points in 26 USHL league games, and 25 points overall in 56 games with the development team. He then began his freshman season for the University of North Dakota for the 2010–11 season. Forbort also played with the American team at the 2010 IIHF World U18 Championships, recording two assists and a +9 rating, contributing to a gold medal victory. His performance garnered attention from NHL scouts, leading to his selection in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft.
Derek Forbort Career
Early Career (2013–2015)
Forbort signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Los Angeles Kings on April 5, 2013. He was recalled from the Manchester Monarchs of the American Hockey League (AHL) during the 2014–15 season but did not play for the Kings before returning to the Monarchs. Forbort made his NHL debut on October 16, 2015, against the Minnesota Wild, and scored his first NHL goal in a 5–0 win over the Vancouver Canucks on December 28, 2015.
Breakthrough (2016–2020)
In the 2016–17 season, Forbort made the opening roster for the Kings, recording 18 points in 82 games. He signed a two-year contract extension with the Kings on October 19, 2017. However, the 2019–20 season was challenging as he began on injured reserve and played only 14 games. On February 24, 2020, he was traded to the Calgary Flames in exchange for a conditional fourth-round pick.
Notable Works and Milestones
Forbort signed a one-year contract with the Winnipeg Jets on October 11, 2020, and played every game in the pandemic-delayed 2020–21 season, contributing with 2 goals and 12 points. He later signed a three-year contract with the Boston Bruins on July 28, 2021, where he scored his first goal as a Bruin against the San Jose Sharks.
Derek Forbort Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Derek Forbort has received recognition for his contributions on the ice, particularly during his time with the United States national team and in various junior leagues.
Derek Forbort Awards Won
While specific awards won are not detailed, Forbort’s achievements include a gold medal at the 2010 IIHF World U18 Championships and a bronze medal at the 2011 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships.
Derek Forbort Family
Information regarding Derek Forbort’s family is not publicly available.
Personal Life
Details about Derek Forbort’s personal life, including marital status and children, are not disclosed.