In his 15th season of NHL action, MacKenzie posted three goals and 14 points -- his fifth consecutive year of compiling double-digit points. The 37-year-old forward mostly skated in a bottom-six role, averaging only 11:18 of ice time per game, his lowest since the 2013-14 campaign. MacKenzie should center Florida's fourth line to start next season, but he'll have to prove that he belongs there. The Panthers have some youth in their forward group, including center prospect Henrik Borgstrom, who is eager to prove his worth on the big stage. This is MacKenzie's job to lose, though he shouldn't be all that relevant in the fantasy landscape moving forward.
MacKenzie is as steady as fourth-line grinders come -- one of five Panthers to play in all 82 games last year (the second time he’s done so in three seasons), he scored at least five goals and 10 points for the fourth straight season. The Ontarian pivot is a locker-room leader who’s tasked with mentoring Florida’s younger players until They're ready to take over. At 36 years old, he’s clearly in the twilight of his career, but MacKenzie is still one of the most physical players on the team and an asset to some degree in deep fantasy formats that count hits.
MacKenzie has made a career of being too good for the AHL level, but not quite skilled enough to be a full-time NHL player. The 34-year-old played all 82 games for the first time in his career last season, scoring five goals and 11 points while posting a dreadful minus-17 rating. The former fifth-round pick in 1999 will likely be on the fourth line to open up the season, though with a strong push from Corban Knight or Greg McKegg, might find himself sitting in the press box. Given his age and limited offensive skill set, MacKenzie has minimal fantasy value in any format.
MacKenzie, a veteran fourth liner, is a faceoff ace (winning 59.4% of his draws last year), but doesn't bring much else to the table.
MacKenzie has carved out a home for himself on the Blue Jackets' fourth line, but his ceiling in that role is 10 goals and 25 points. The Sudbury native recorded 14 points in 66 games with the Jackets last season.
AHL star MacKenzie finally got his first crack at extended NHL action and scored 23 points in 63 games of mostly fourth line duty. He might keep his spot for another season, but as the Blue Jackets' prospects develop they'll have less need for someone with MacKenzie's modest skill set and upside.
Veteran forward might finally get a shot at a full-time NHL job after scoring at a point-a-game pace in the AHL last season, but he'll probably be limited to fourth line duty.
Had an impressive AHL season (22-30-52 in 64 games) but played in just one NHL game in '08-'09. This season will likely be more of the same.
Veteran depth at center.
Depth forward.
MacKenzie is 6th on the depth chart at centre for the Thrashers so barring a few injuries don’t expect him to be getting a lot of playing time in the NHL. He’s more of a defensive specialist so even if he does play, don’t expect him to get many points. A perfect situation for MacKenzie would result in him posting 10 to 20 points. No fantasy value for the foreseeable future.
Steve McCarthy
