Derek MacKenzie is a former professional ice hockey player who played as a center for various teams in the National Hockey League (NHL). He began his career in the NHL in 2001 when he was drafted by the Atlanta Thrashers in the fifth round of the NHL Entry Draft. He played for the Thrashers for two seasons before being traded to the Florida Panthers in 2003.
MacKenzie played for the Panthers for four seasons before being traded to the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2007. He played for the Blue Jackets for seven seasons, serving as the team's captain for the 2015-2016 season. In 2017, he signed with the Florida Panthers as a free agent and played for them for two seasons before retiring in 2019.
Throughout his career, MacKenzie was known for his strong work ethic and leadership skills. He was a reliable player who could be counted on to play in all situations, including on the penalty kill and in defensive situations. He was also known for his ability to win faceoffs and his willingness to play a physical game.
MacKenzie was a respected member of the NHL community and was known for his dedication to his teammates and his commitment to giving back to the community. He was a finalist for the NHL's King Clancy Memorial Trophy in 2018, which is awarded to the player who best exemplifies leadership qualities on and off the ice and who has made a significant humanitarian contribution to his community.
Overall, Derek MacKenzie had a successful career in the NHL, playing for over 500 games and scoring over 100 points. He was a respected leader and a reliable player who was valued by his teammates and coaches. After retiring from the NHL, he remained involved in the sport as a coach and mentor to young players.
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