Meet Derek MacKenzie of the Florida Panthers, the NHL’s most anonymous captain
TORONTO — Most of the 28 captains in the NHL this season are former all-stars, scoring champs, MVPs, Conn Smythe, Rocket Richard and Norris Trophy winners, some of the best and brightest in the game. And then there’s Derek MacKenzie from the Florida Panthers, the NHL’s most anonymous captain.
MacKenzie, 35, has never been an NHL all-star, never won a major award, never even scored 10 goals in a season. His career-high for points is 23. Even Google has no idea that the Sudbury, Ont., native is now officially leading the Panthers; it still thinks it’s Willie Mitchell, who retired after last season.
But to those inside the Panthers dressing room MacKenzie is the obvious captain.
“His personality is the personality of a leader,” said 20-year-old Aaron Ekblad.