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). The 6-foot-5, 239-pound enforcer has carved out a unique role in professional hockey as a physical presence who protects his teammates and agitates opponents. MacDermid won the Stanley Cup with the Colorado Avalanche in 2022, cementing his place in NHL history. Throughout his career, he has played for the Los Angeles Kings, Colorado Avalanche, and New Jersey Devils before joining the Senators organization.
Early Life and Background
Kurtis MacDermid was born on March 25, 1994, in Quebec City, Quebec, Canada. He was born during his father Paul MacDermid’s tenure with the Quebec Nordiques. The family later settled in Sauble Beach, Ontario, where Kurtis grew up immersed in hockey. His father, Paul MacDermid, was a former NHL player, providing Kurtis with firsthand exposure to professional hockey from an early age.
MacDermid comes from a family deeply rooted in hockey. His older brother, Lane MacDermid, also reached the NHL, playing for the Boston Bruins, Dallas Stars, and Calgary Flames. This family legacy gave Kurtis both the passion and the pathway to pursue a career in professional hockey from a young age.
Path to Professional Hockey
MacDermid began his junior hockey career with the Owen Sound Greys in the Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League (GOHJHL). His strong play attracted attention from Ontario Hockey League (OHL) 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.
He made his OHL debut with Owen Sound during the 2011-12 season, appearing in nine games and recording two assists. The following season marked his first full campaign in the OHL, as he played in 65 games, scoring one goal and seven assists for eight points. The Attack reached the conference semifinals that year before being eliminated by the Plymouth Whalers.
On January 9, 2014, MacDermid was traded to the Erie Otters, where he continued his development. He played a full season with Erie in 2014-15, tallying eight goals and 40 points in 61 games. The Otters advanced to the championship final that year before falling to the Oshawa Generals.
Kurtis MacDermid Career
Los Angeles Kings (2015-2021)
Despite going undrafted by NHL teams, MacDermid signed as a free agent to a three-year, entry-level contract with the Los Angeles Kings on September 13, 2012. However, he did not begin his professional career until the 2015-16 season with the Kings’ American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Ontario Reign. In his rookie season with the Reign, he appeared in 56 games, scoring four goals and 16 points. The team finished atop the Pacific Division and advanced to the semifinals before losing to the Lake Erie Monsters.
MacDermid continued developing with Ontario through the 2016-17 season, recording six goals and 20 points. After two strong seasons as a regular on the blue line with the Reign, he earned a one-year, two-way contract extension in July 2017. Following training camp and pre-season, he made the Kings’ opening night roster for the 2017-18 season.
He made his NHL debut with Los Angeles on October 5, 2017, in a 2-0 victory over the Philadelphia Flyers. His first NHL goal came on October 26, 2017, in a 4-0 win over the Montreal Canadiens. MacDermid appeared in 34 games with the Kings that season, tallying one goal and four points before being assigned to the AHL.
MacDermid continued with the Kings organization through the 2019-20 and 2020-21 seasons. On January 3, 2020, he received a two-game suspension from the NHL for an illegal check. The 2019-20 season was cut short by the COVID-19 pandemic, with MacDermid recording three goals and eight points in 45 games. The following season, he added two goals and four points in 28 games.
Colorado Avalanche (2021-2024)
On July 21, 2021, MacDermid was selected from the Los Angeles Kings by the Seattle Kraken during the NHL expansion draft. Just six days later, he was traded to the Colorado Avalanche in exchange for a fourth-round pick in the 2023 NHL Draft. He made his Avalanche debut on October 16, 2021, replacing Jack Johnson in the lineup during a 5-3 loss to the St. Louis Blues.
MacDermid scored his first goal with Colorado on January 26, 2022, in a 4-3 win over the Boston Bruins. That season, he set a new career high by appearing in 58 games, scoring two goals and five points. The Avalanche advanced to the 2022 Stanley Cup Final and defeated the Tampa Bay Lightning to win the franchise’s third championship. MacDermid did not play in any playoff games during the run, but he earned his name on the Stanley Cup as a member of the team.
He returned to Colorado for the 2022-23 season as the team’s primary enforcer. However, injuries plagued his campaign. He suffered a lower-body injury on November 13, 2022, that kept him out of the lineup until December 20. He suffered another lower-body injury and a concussion in March 2023, limiting him to just one appearance in eleven games that month. He finished the season with one goal and six points in 44 games. The defending champions were upset in the first round of the playoffs by the Seattle Kraken.
MacDermid began the 2023-24 season with the Avalanche, appearing in 29 games and scoring two goals before his tenure in Colorado ended.
New Jersey Devils (2024-2025)
On March 1, 2024, MacDermid was traded by the Colorado Avalanche 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. He recorded his only point with New Jersey on March 14, assisting on Chris Tierney’s first-period goal in a 6-2 victory over the Dallas Stars.
MacDermid finished the 2023-24 season appearing in 16 games with the Devils, recording just the one point. The Devils missed the playoffs that year. As a pending unrestricted free agent, he elected to remain with New Jersey, signing a three-year, $3.45 million contract extension on May 17, 2024.
With his new contract in place, MacDermid returned to New Jersey for the 2024-25 season. However, his playing time decreased significantly, and he appeared in only 23 games, going scoreless. The Devils made the playoffs but were eliminated in the first round by the Carolina Hurricanes. MacDermid did not appear in any playoff 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 debut in the Senators’ season-opening 5-4 victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning. He recorded his first point with the team on December 15, assisting on Nick Cousins’ goal in a 3-2 win over the Winnipeg Jets. MacDermid appeared in 19 games with the Senators during the 2025-26 season, registering one assist.
Driving Style and Strengths
At 6-foot-5 and 239 pounds, MacDermid has established himself as one of the league’s premier enforcers. His size, physicality, and willingness to fight make him a valued protector for his teammates. He is known for his durability and willingness to drop the gloves when needed. While his offensive contributions are limited, his presence on the ice serves as a deterrent to opposing players who might otherwise take liberties with his teammates.
Notable Events and Milestones
MacDermid’s most significant career milestone came in 2022 when he won the Stanley Cup with the Colorado Avalanche. Although he did not play in any playoff games during the championship run, his name was inscribed on hockey’s most prestigious trophy. He has also been recognized as the Los Angeles Kings’ “meanest fighter” during his tenure there. His NHL career has included memorable moments such as scoring his first goal against the Montreal Canadiens at the Bell Centre and earning his Stanley Cup championship ring with the Avalanche.
Kurtis MacDermid Career Wins
Throughout his professional career, MacDermid has accumulated wins and achievements at various levels of professional hockey. His most prestigious accomplishment remains the 2022 Stanley Cup championship with the Colorado Avalanche.
Championship Highlights
MacDermid’s crowning achievement came during the 2021-22 season with the Colorado Avalanche. The team finished the regular season with an impressive record and dominated the playoffs, ultimately defeating the Tampa Bay Lightning in the Stanley Cup Final. While MacDermid did not dress for any playoff games during the run, he was a full member of the championship roster and received the full championship experience, including having his name engraved on the Stanley Cup.
Other Career Achievements
Beyond his Stanley Cup victory, MacDermid has had notable moments throughout his career. He helped the Ontario Reign reach the AHL semifinals in his rookie professional season. He scored his first NHL goal with the Los Angeles Kings against the Montreal Canadiens and has appeared in multiple NHL playoff series as a healthy scratch. His longevity in the NHL as a player specifically known for his fighting ability demonstrates his value to professional organizations.
Kurtis MacDermid Family
Family Background and Hockey Lineage
Kurtis MacDermid was born into hockey royalty as the son of former NHL player Paul MacDermid. Paul MacDermid played professionally for several NHL teams, including the Quebec Nordiques where Kurtis was born. This family connection provided Kurtis with invaluable insight into professional hockey from an early age, as he witnessed firsthand what it takes to compete at the highest levels of the sport.
MacDermid’s older brother, Lane MacDermid, also forged a professional hockey career. Lane played in the NHL for the Boston Bruins, Dallas Stars, and Calgary Flames, making the MacDermid family one of the rare hockey families with multiple brothers reaching the world’s top hockey league.
Personal Life
Although MacDermid maintains a relatively private personal life, his hockey lineage is well-documented. He was born in Quebec City during his father’s time with the Quebec Nordiques and was raised in Sauble Beach, Ontario. The family’s passion for hockey has clearly been passed down through generations, with both Kurtis and his brother Lane achieving their dreams of playing in the NHL.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025-26 season marked a new chapter in Kurtis MacDermid’s career as he joined the Ottawa Senators organization. Acquired in a trade for Zack MacEwen on October 3, 2025, MacDermid brought his veteran presence and physical style to a Senators team looking to establish an identity. He made his debut in the season opener against the Tampa Bay Lightning, a 5-4 Senators victory.
MacDermid recorded his first point with the Senators on December 15, 2025, when he assisted on Nick Cousins’ goal during a 3-2 victory over the Winnipeg Jets. Throughout the season, his role remained consistent as a physical presence and veteran voice in the locker room. He appeared in 19 games with the Senators during the 2025-26 season, recording one assist.
The Senators qualified for the playoffs in 2025-26, but were swept in the first round by the Carolina Hurricanes. MacDermid did not dress for any playoff games during the series. Despite limited ice time during the regular season, his veteran experience and championship pedigree continued to provide value to the Senators’ organization as they develop their roster for future success.