Kurtis MacDermid Bio
Kurtis MacDermid (born March 25, 1994) is a Canadian professional ice hockey forward for the Ottawa Senators of the National Hockey League (NHL). Known primarily as an enforcer, MacDermid has built a reputation as one of the most physical presences in professional hockey. He won the Stanley Cup with the Colorado Avalanche in 2022, adding his name to hockey’s most prestigious trophy. MacDermid was born in Quebec City, Quebec, Canada, and raised in Sauble Beach, Ontario.
Early Life and Background
Kurtis MacDermid was born on March 25, 1994, in Quebec City, Quebec, Canada, during his father Paul MacDermid’s tenure with the Quebec Nordiques. He grew up primarily in Sauble Beach, Ontario, where he developed his passion for hockey at a young age. His father Paul enjoyed a long NHL career spanning parts of nine seasons with teams including the Quebec Nordiques, Hartford Whalers, Washington Capitals, and Philadelphia Flyers. This family legacy provided MacDermid with early exposure to professional hockey and shaped his career trajectory from the beginning.
MacDermid’s older brother Lane also pursued a professional hockey career, playing in the NHL for the Boston Bruins, Dallas Stars, and Calgary Flames before his career was cut short by injury. Growing up in a household with two hockey-playing brothers, Kurtis developed the toughness and competitive drive that would later define his professional style.
Path to Professional Hockey
MacDermid’s journey to professional hockey began in junior hockey with the Owen Sound Greys in the Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League. His strong play caught the attention of scouts, and he was selected in the seventh round, 139th overall, as a defenseman by the Owen Sound Attack in the 2010 OHL Priority Draft. After playing sparingly in his first season with Owen Sound, MacDermid settled into a regular role during the 2012-13 season, appearing in 65 games and recording eight points.
On January 9, 2014, MacDermid was traded to the Erie Otters, where he continued to develop his game. He finished his junior career with the Otters during the 2014-15 season, posting eight goals and 40 points in 61 games. His strong performance helped Erie advance to the OHL championship final, though they were defeated by the Oshawa Generals. Despite going undrafted in the NHL Entry Draft, MacDermid’s physical style and potential attracted attention from professional teams.
On September 13, 2012, MacDermid signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the Los Angeles Kings as a free agent. He would spend the next several years developing in their system, working toward his ultimate goal of reaching the NHL.
Kurtis MacDermid Career
Los Angeles Kings (2015-2021)
MacDermid made his professional debut with the Kings’ American Hockey League affiliate, the Ontario Reign, during the 2015-16 season. In his rookie year with the Reign, he recorded four goals and 16 points in 56 games while establishing himself as a physical force. The Reign finished atop the Pacific Division that season and advanced to the semifinals before falling to the Lake Erie Monsters. MacDermid improved his offensive output in his second season, recording six goals and 20 points in 2016-17.
After two strong seasons with the Reign, MacDermid earned a one-year, two-way contract extension on July 14, 2017. He made the Kings’ opening night roster for the 2017-18 season and made his NHL debut on October 5, 2017, in a 2-0 victory over the Philadelphia Flyers. MacDermid scored his first NHL goal on October 26 in a 4-0 shutout victory over the Montreal Canadiens. He appeared in 34 games with the Kings that season, recording one goal and four points, while also seeing action with the Reign.
MacDermid continued with the Kings through the 2019-20 and 2020-21 seasons. He was suspended by the NHL for two games on January 3, 2020, for an illegal check. The 2019-20 season was cut short by the COVID-19 pandemic, with the Kings failing to make the playoffs. He recorded two goals and four points in 28 games during the shortened 2020-21 season as Los Angeles again missed the postseason.
Colorado Avalanche (2021-2024)
On July 21, 2021, MacDermid was selected by the Seattle Kraken from the Kings during the NHL expansion draft. He was immediately traded to the Colorado Avalanche in exchange for a fourth-round pick in the 2023 NHL Draft. MacDermid made his Avalanche debut on October 16, 2021, and recorded his first point with the team on December 8, assisting on Logan O’Connor’s goal in a 7-3 victory over the New York Rangers.
MacDermid scored his first goal with Colorado on January 26, 2022, in a 4-3 win over the Boston Bruins. In his first season with the Avalanche, he set a new career high with 58 games played, scoring two goals and five points. The Avalanche advanced to the 2022 Stanley Cup Final and defeated the Tampa Bay Lightning to capture the franchise’s third championship. MacDermid did not appear in any playoff games during the championship run, but he was part of the team throughout the postseason. He signed a two-year contract extension with Colorado on April 5, 2022.
The following season was plagued by injuries. MacDermid suffered a lower-body injury on November 13, 2022, against the Carolina Hurricanes that kept him out of the lineup until December 20. In March 2023, he appeared in only one of the team’s eleven games after suffering another lower-body injury and a concussion. He finished the 2022-23 season with one goal and six points in 44 games. The defending champions were upset by the Seattle Kraken in the first round of the playoffs, with MacDermid remaining unused. He began the 2023-24 season with Colorado and made 29 appearances, scoring two goals, before his time with the Avalanche came to an end.
New Jersey Devils (2024-2025)
On March 1, 2024, MacDermid was traded by Colorado to the New Jersey Devils in exchange for signing rights to Zakhar Bardakov and a 2024 seventh-round pick. He made his Devils debut on March 3 against his former team, the Los Angeles Kings. MacDermid recorded his only point with New Jersey on March 14, assisting on Chris Tierney’s goal in a 6-2 victory over the Dallas Stars. He appeared in 16 games with the Devils that season, recording just one assist as the team missed the playoffs.
Despite being a pending unrestricted free agent, MacDermid chose to remain with the Devils, signing a three-year, $3.45 million contract extension on May 17, 2024. However, his 2024-25 season saw significantly reduced playing time. He appeared in only 23 games and went scoreless. The Devils made the playoffs but were eliminated in the first round by the Carolina Hurricanes, with MacDermid not appearing in any postseason games.
Ottawa Senators (2025-Present)
On October 3, 2025, ahead of the 2025-26 season, MacDermid was traded to the Ottawa Senators in exchange for forward Zack MacEwen. He made his Senators debut in the team’s season opener, a 5-4 victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning. MacDermid recorded his first point with his new team when he assisted on Nick Cousins’ goal in a 3-2 victory over the Winnipeg Jets on December 15. He made 19 appearances with the Senators during the 2025-26 season, registering one assist.
Playing Style and Strengths
MacDermid has built his professional career as a physical enforcer, earning recognition as one of the most formidable fighters in the league. Standing at 6 feet 5 inches and weighing 239 pounds, he uses his size effectively in board battles and to protect teammates. While his offensive contributions are limited, MacDermid excels at creating energy through physical play and maintaining a strong presence in front of the net. His left-handed shot and willingness to engage physically have made him a valued depth player throughout his career.
Notable Events and Milestones
MacDermid’s career highlight came when he won the Stanley Cup with the Colorado Avalanche in 2022, joining his father Paul as a championship winner. He scored his first NHL goal on October 26, 2017, in a shutout victory over the Montreal Canadiens. Throughout his career, MacDermid has faced supplementary discipline, including a 12-game AHL suspension in December 2015 for an illegal check to the head and a two-game NHL suspension in January 2020.
Kurtis MacDermid Career Wins
MacDermid has established himself as a physical presence at the professional level, with his greatest career achievement being the 2022 Stanley Cup championship with the Colorado Avalanche. While his offensive statistics remain modest, his value comes from his ability to protect teammates and provide energy through physical play.
Championship Highlights
MacDermid’s most significant career victory came as a member of the Colorado Avalanche during the 2021-22 season. The Avalanche defeated the Tampa Bay Lightning in the Stanley Cup Final to capture the franchise’s third championship. Although MacDermid did not appear in any playoff games during the championship run, he was part of the team throughout the postseason and received the Stanley Cup ring and championship bling. Prior to his NHL career, MacDermid advanced to the AHL semifinals with the Ontario Reign in 2016 and the OHL championship final with the Erie Otters in 2015.
Other Notable Performances
Beyond his championship win, MacDermid’s junior career featured notable accomplishments, including a trip to the OHL championship final with Erie in 2015. His most productive AHL season came with the Ontario Reign during the 2016-17 campaign, when he recorded six goals and 20 points. MacDermid has appeared in over 200 NHL regular season games throughout his career.
Kurtis MacDermid Family
Family Background and Hockey Lineage
MacDermid comes from a distinguished hockey family with deep roots in professional hockey. His father, Paul MacDermid, played parts of nine seasons in the NHL, suiting up for the Quebec Nordiques, Hartford Whalers, Washington Capitals, and Philadelphia Flyers. Kurtis was born in Quebec City while his father was playing for the Nordiques, and he grew up primarily in Sauble Beach, Ontario.
His older brother, Lane MacDermid, also reached the NHL, playing for the Boston Bruins, Dallas Stars, and Calgary Flames before his career was cut short by injury. Lane’s NHL career spanned parts of four seasons before a heart condition ended his playing career prematurely.
Personal Life
MacDermid continues to maintain connections to Sauble Beach, Ontario, where he grew up. As a second-generation NHL player, he has followed in his father’s skates, establishing himself as a physical presence at the professional level. His family’s hockey tradition spans multiple generations, with both Kurtis and his brother Lane achieving their childhood dreams of playing in the NHL.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025-26 season marked a new chapter in MacDermid’s career when he was acquired by the Ottawa Senators in October 2025. He appeared in 19 games with his new team during the season’s first half, recording one assist. The Senators qualified for the playoffs following their regular-season performance, but they were eliminated in the first round by the Carolina Hurricanes in a four-game sweep. MacDermid did not appear in any postseason games. As the season continues, he remains a veteran depth player who provides physicality and experience to the Senators’ lineup.
