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Derek Forbort has been developing in the Los Angeles Kings’ system for the last three seasons, finishing off his most recent campaign split between the NHL and the AHL level with Los Angeles and the Ontario Reign.

Now, he’s earned himself a multi-year extension, as a result.

Forbort and the Kings agreed to a two year contract on Saturday afternoon, per the club, which will carry him through the end of the 2017-18 season and into his final off-season as a restricted free agent.

The deal for the former 15th overall pick is uniquely structured, serving as a true bridge deal for the defenseman.

It pays out as a two-way deal, meaning that Forbort will make a graduated salary depending on whether he plays in the NHL or the AHL at any given point over the next two years. While he’ll make a flat $650,000 per season at the NHL level, though – a fairly inexpensive deal for the Kings – the Pacific Division club will see him make $100,000 at the AHL level next year, and $400,000 at the AHL level the following year. He’s also been guaranteed $125,000 for the first year and $450,000 for the second year, suggesting that there’s a decent chance he’ll see split time in the majors and minors during each of the years anyways.

A native of Duluth, Minnesota, Forbort played NCAA hockey for three seasons at the University of North Dakota before going pro in 2013, putting up 17 points in 42 games in his final year of college hockey in order to earn his entry-level deal. Since hitting the Kings’ system, he’s put up a goal and two points, both this year, in 14 regular season NHL games.

Derek Forbort inks two year extension with Kings