News:Derek MacKenzie was whistled for a five-minute fighting major Saturday against Nashville, tangling with the Predators' Brandon Yip late in the second period.
Analysis: With Derek Dorsett on the shelf and Jared Boll behaving himself in this contest, someone had to step up and deliver on this night. He has 32 PIMs on the year, not enough to make him an elite enforcer, but he does have 12 PIMs in his last four games, so he may have made a conscious effort to step things up.
News:Derek MacKenzie chipped in two assists in the Blue Jackets' 5-1 thumping of the Flames on Friday.
Analysis: It's his first multi-point game of the season, and the odds are good it'll be his last. The Jackets are on a roll right now but that doesn't make their fourth line forwards worth a fantasy roster spot.
News:Derek MacKenzie (upper body) was a minus-2 in 12:06 worth of ice time in Tuesday's win over the Preds.
Analysis:Derek MacKenzie's back, but with just four points and 25 PIMs in 25 games, he's only worthy of deep league consideration.
News:Derek MacKenzie (upper body) will not play Saturday against the Coyotes, Shawn Mitchell of the Columbus Dispatch reports.
Analysis:Derek MacKenzie is apparently not ready to go, so he'll sit against Phoenix.
News: Mackenzie (upper body) will be a morning decision for Saturday's game against Phoenix, Shawn Mitchell of the Columbus Dispatch reports.
Analysis: Mackenzie last played Sunday against Detroit. He had the potential to play Thursday against Chicago but sat out. He has four points over 24 games with the Blue Jackets so far this season.
Blue Jackets' MacKenzie (Upper Body) Could Play Thursday
News:Derek MacKenzie (upper body) could potentially play on Thursday against the Blackhawks, the Columbus Dispatch reports.
Analysis:Derek MacKenzie missed Tuesday's game against the Canucks due to an upper-body injury. Continue to consider him day-to-day for the time being.
News:Derek MacKenzie will not play Tuesday due to an upper-body injury, Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch reports.
Analysis: Details of Derek MacKenzie's setback were not provided. Consider him day-to-day until more is known about his injury.
News:Derek MacKenzie (concussion) skated on a line with Boone Jenner and Jared Boll on the first day of training camp, Rob Mixer of BlueJackets.com reports.
Analysis: He looks to be fully recovered from the concussion issues that ended last season early, but as a fourth line grinder Derek MacKenzie's fantasy value is very limited.
Blue Jackets' MacKenzie's Contract Pending Physical
News:Derek MacKenzie (concussion) re-signed with the Blue Jackets on Saturday, and his contract will be official once he passes a physical, the Columbus Dispatch's Aaron Portzline reports.
Analysis:Derek MacKenzie missed the last 16 games of the year after suffering a concussion, but it sounds like he is recovering well. Terms of the contract are not yet available. He had 14 points last season and 23 in 2010-11.
News:Derek MacKenzie has begun working out again and seems mostly recovered from the concussion that ended his season prematurely, the Columbus Dispatch reports.
Analysis: He'll be looking for a new contract this offseason, but that won't happen with the Blue Jackets or anyone else until he proves the concussion is behind him.
News:Derek MacKenzie had to take a step back from his rehab recently, but he hasn't been ruled out for a return to action this season, the Columbus Dispatch reports.
Analysis: Although the Blue Jackets appear to be holding out some hope of a return, we advise caution against that optimism given that Columbus has nothing to gain by bringing him back to play out the string down the stretch.
News:Derek MacKenzie (concussion) was able to practice Thursday but won't be in the lineup Friday against the Hurricanes, the Columbus Dispatch reports.
Analysis: "He's feeling better but not to where he's comfortable," interim coach Todd Richards said. Derek MacKenzie looks like he'll be back in action fairly soon though.
Blue Jackets' MacKenzie Remains Out With Concussion
News:Derek MacKenzie will not play Saturday against St. Louis due to a concussion sustained Tuesday, according to TSN.ca.
Analysis:Derek MacKenzie is considered day-to-day and there is no estimated time of return. He will be re-evaluated on Monday.
News:Derek MacKenzie, who reportedly sustained a concussion Tuesday, will not play Thursday against the Kings, TSN.ca reports.
Analysis: Ryan Johansen will replace Derek MacKenzie, who we will consider day-to-day, in the Columbus lineup Thursday.
News:Derek MacKenzie posted a shorthanded goal in Tuesday's loss to Detroit, his sixth goal of the season.
Analysis:Derek MacKenzie has been quiet offensively this season with 12 points in 63 games and should continue that pace as the season winds down.
News: After racking up 23 points in 63 games last season for Columbus, Derek MacKenzie has just four goals and nine points through 40 games in 2011-12.
Analysis: He's purely a bottom six forward for the Blue Jackets anyway, but whatever spark he provided last season has been absent so far. If the Jackets go into full rebuild mode later in the year, Derek MacKenzie's spot could be in jeopardy.
News:Derek MacKenzie skated with Rick Nash and Vinny Prospal in practice on Tuesday, the Columbus Dispatch reports.
Analysis: He's been seeing shifts on the Nash line over the last couple of games, and it looks like coach Scott Arniel is willing to continue the arrangement. He's only got one goal in two games playing with Nash and Prospal, but in a deep league Derek MacKenzie could provide a bit of help this weekend.
News:Derek MacKenzie (knee) played 9:40 and dished out three hits in Friday's loss to Nashville.
Analysis: He's anchoring the fourth line for now, which is probably a good arrangement as he continues to recover from a knee injury.
Blue Jackets Confident MacKenzie Is Ready For Opener
News: The Blue Jackets sent Alexandre Giroux down to AHL Springfield on Wednesday, a strong indication that they feel Derek MacKenzie (knee) will be able to play on Friday.
Analysis: That's still no guarantee that Derek MacKenzie will actually be in the lineup, as the club may want to give young Maksim Mayorov a look on the fourth line instead, but it appears as though MacKenzie will be physically ready for action.
News:Derek MacKenzie (knee) skated on his own Monday morning, Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch reports.
Analysis: As Portzline points out, Derek MacKenzie was worked hard by the team's assistant coaches. We're still awaiting word regarding his chances of playing in the regular season opener, but Monday's workout is a step in the right direction.
Knee Injury Could Cost MacKenzie A Spot On Jackets' Opening Night Roster
News:Derek MacKenzie (knee) remained out of the lineup Monday, the Columbus Dispatch reports.
Analysis: The Blue Jackets suddenly have some depth, and with several players making strong pushes for roster spots Derek MacKenzie may have to begin the season on IR or back in the NHL.
Jackets' MacKenzie: Points In Four Of Last Five Games
News: MacKenzie scored twice Saturday in a 3-2 win over the Hurricanes.
Analysis: He now has points in four of his last five games and has been a surprising offensive contributor of late. Enjoy it while it lasts.
MacKenzie Hits Score Sheet Centering Jackets' Top Line
News: MacKenzie picked up two assists Wednesday after he was moved up to the Rick Nash line to replace an injured Derick Brassard.
Analysis: With Brassard now out for a couple of weeks, MacKenzie is likely the Blue Jackets' best in-house option to fill in and he could have some short-term value as a result, especially considering how hot Nash is at the moment. Don't go overboard though, as coach Scott Arniel could elect to bump RJ Umberger up instead, and the team could always trade for another center (something they were already looking for) as well.
MacKenzie A Healthy Scratch For Blue Jackets Friday
News: MacKenzie was a healthy scratch Friday.
Analysis: Coach Scott Arniel's lineup juggling produced a win over the Red Wings, so MacKenzie could be in the press box for another couple of games if Arniel decides not to mess with success.
News: The Blue Jackets have activated MacKenzie off IR, the Columbus Dispatch reports. He last played December 11 due to a groin injury.
Analysis: MacKenzie is very likely to slot back into the lineup Thursday when the Blue Jackets take on the Maple Leafs. He won't do much in the scoring columns, but the Columbus coaching staff likes his energy and versatility, so they'll put him to good use on a bottom line.
News: MacKenzie (groin) will sit out Monday's game against the Wild, the Columbus Dispatch reports.
Analysis: MacKenzie was eligible to return Saturday, but he remains day-to-day with the groin injury.
News: MacKenzie (groin) skated Saturday morning but did not participate in practice, the Columbus Dispatch's Thomas Reed reports.
Analysis: MacKenzie is eligible to return for Saturday's game against the Stars, but his lack of practice participation indicates that a return is unlikely. He remains day-to-day.
News: The Blue Jackets placed MacKenzie (groin) on injured reserve retroactive to December 11, according to the team's official Twitter page.
Analysis: MacKenzie will be eligible to return for Saturday's game against the Stars, but it remains to be seen if he will be feeling good enough at that point to be activated.
News: MacKenzie (groin) will most likely return for Thursday's game against Edmonton, but could return Wednesday against Vancouver, as well, the Columbus Dispatch reports.
Analysis: The injury will have cost MacKenzie two games by that point. Given that he has just five points and four PIMs in 23 games to this point, he's not really a fantasy option, anyway.
News: MacKenie (groin) will not play Monday against Nashville, Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch reports.
Analysis: His status beyond Monday night is unclear, so we'll have to wait and see if there's any chance of him playing against Vancouver on Wednesday.
News: MacKenzie is questionable for Monday's game against the Flames after aggravating a groin injury over the weekend, Thomas Reed of the Columbus Dispatch reports.
Analysis: With just four points on the season, MacKenzie is tough to recommend as a fantasy option anyway. Leave him on your bench until further notice.
Blue Jackets' MacKenzie Considered Doubtful for Wednesday
News: MacKenzie (lower body) is now considered doubtful for Wednesday's game against the Kings, Aaron Portzline of The Columbus Dispatch reports.
Analysis: MacKenzie was originally expected to play Wednesday, but it now looks like he will sit out another game.
News: After missing Friday's game due to a lower body injury, MacKenzie is expected to return to action on Wednesday, the Columbus Dispatch reports.
Analysis: He'll resume his fourth line duties, and fantasy insignificance.
MacKenzie Will Not Play For Blue Jackets on Friday
News: MacKenzie (lower body) will not play in Friday's game against the Avalanche, according to the Blue Jackets' official Twitter page.
Analysis: MacKenzie will miss at least one game after suffering an undisclosed injury in Wednesday's game. Consider him day-to-day until more details are made available.
News: MacKenzie suffered an unspecified lower body injury during Wednesday's game, the Columbus Dispatch reports.
Analysis: Rick Nash and Nikita Filatov also came out of the game limping, and the Blue Jackets have called up Mike Blunden on an emergency basis to help fill in if any of the trio can't play Friday.
News: MacKenzie scored his second goal of the season in Wednesday's 3-1 win over the Ducks.
Analysis: Despite being stuck on the fourth line, MacKenzie has two goals and a plus-3 rating through five games and has been a consistently strong performer. If injuries or ineffectiveness open up a spot on a higher line, MacKenzie could be in line for a promotion.
News: Blue Jackets C Derek MacKenzie (lower body) missed a fifth straight game Saturday as Columbus fell to the Predators.
Analysis: MacKenzie has had some AHL success, but doesn't get enough ice time with Columbus to be worth using in Fantasy play when healthy. Continue to ignore him.
News: Blue Jackets C Derek MacKenzie did not suit up for Friday's game against the Wild due to a lower-body injury. He has missed four straight games.
Analysis: MacKenzie has 47 points in 47 AHL games this season, and the 28-year-old has 63 career NHL games under his belt. But even prior to being injured he had little Fantasy value, scoring eight points in parts of seven NHL seasons.
News: Blue Jackets C Derek MacKenzie missed a third straight game on Monday against the Oilers with a lower-body injury. He is day to day.
Analysis: MacKenzie was injured just hours after his recall from the minors on Tuesday. Talk about your bad timing. He has played in a career-high 18 games in 2009-10, but that is not saying a lot. MacKenzie is merely organizational depth and can be ignored in Fantasy.
News: Blue Jackets C Derek MacKenzie did not play on Thursday against the Thrashers because of a lower-body injury suffered Tuesday against the Ducks.
Analysis: MacKenzie was injured just hours after his recall from the minors. He has played in a career-high 18 games in 2009-10, but that is not saying a lot. MacKenzie is merely organizational depth and can be ignored in Fantasy.
News: Blue Jackets C Derek MacKenzie was injured during the first period of Tuesday's 5-2 win over the Ducks. He suffered an undisclosed lower body injury in his first game after being called up from AHL Syracuse.
Analysis: MacKenzie has 47 points in 47 AHL games this season, and the 28-year-old has 63 career NHL games under his belt. But even prior to being injured he had little Fantasy value, scoring eight points in parts of seven NHL seasons.
News: The Blue Jackets have recalled C Derek MacKenzie and LW Maxim Mayorov from the AHL.
Analysis: MacKenzie has 47 points in 47 AHL games this season, and the 28-year-old has 63 NHL games under his belt. Mayorov, a fourth-round pick from 2007, has 23 points in his second AHL campaign. Neither of these guys has any Fantasy value.
News: The Blue Jackets have sent C Derek MacKenzie back to the AHL.
Analysis: MacKenzie is a career minor-leaguer who has eight points in 63 NHL games. Continue to ignore him in all formats.
News: The Blue Jackets have recalled C Derek MacKenzie from the AHL.
Analysis: MacKenzie is a career minor-leaguer who has eight points in 62 NHL games. Continue to ignore him in all formats.
News: Blue Jackets C Derek MacKenzie has cleared waivers and has been assigned to the AHL.
Analysis: MacKenzie is a career minor-leaguer who has eight points in 62 NHL games. Continue to ignore him in all formats.
News: The Blue Jackets have placed C Derek MacKenzie on waivers, with the intention of sending him to the AHL.
Analysis: MacKenzie is a career minor-leaguer who has eight points in 62 NHL games. Continue to ignore him in all formats.
News: The Blue Jackets have called up C Derek MacKenzie from the AHL on an emergency basis.
Analysis: MacKenzie is a career minor-leaguer who has four points in 46 NHL games. Continue to ignore him in all formats.
News: The Blue Jackets assigned defensemen Grant Clitsome, Nick Holden and David Liffiton and forwards Maksim Mayorov, Stefan Legein and Tommy Sestito to the Syracuse of the AHL on Monday. Forward Derek MacKenzie and defenseman Jonathan Sigalet were placed on waivers for the purpose of assignment to Syracuse.
Analysis: Mayorov, Legein and Sestito are all among the Blue Jackets top 20 prospects and could be up at some point in 2009-10. However, they are nothing more than long-term Fantasy keepers. The remaining players are pretty much organizational depth and can be ignored in Fantasy.
News: The Columbus Blue Jackets assigned forward Derek MacKenzie to the club's American Hockey League affiliate in Syracuse on Thursday. The 27-year-old MacKenzie was recalled from Syracuse on Jan. 12 and had two penalty minutes in Tuesday's 4-3 win over Colorado in his lone appearance with the club.
Analysis: MacKenzie has two goals and two assists in 46 career NHL games with Columbus and Atlanta, including two goals in 18 games with the Blue Jackets. He has eight goals and 10 assists in 23 games at Syracuse this season. He is pretty much just organizational depth at this time and can be ignored in Fantasy.
News: The Columbus Blue Jackets have called up C Derek MacKenzie to replace Rick Nash, who was put on IR Monday.
Analysis: MacKenzie has played in 45 NHL games, but has never managed to stick around in the bigs for more than 17 games in a single season. He remains a non-factor in Fantasy play.
News: The Columbus Dispatch reports that Blue Jackets D Aaron Rome, C Derek MacKenzie and C Craig MacDonald have cleared waivers. They'll be assigned to minor-league Syracuse.
Analysis: None of these players has any Fantasy value, so continue to ignore them in all formats.
News: The Columbus Dispatch reports that the Blue Jackets have placed D Aaron Rome, C Derek MacKenzie and C Craig MacDonald on waivers.
Analysis: None of these players has any Fantasy value, so continue to ignore them in all formats.
News: The Blue Jackets re-signed center Derek MacKenzie to a two-year contract Monday.
Analysis: MacKenzie, 27, scored two goals and had eight penalty minutes in 17 games with the Blue Jackets last season. He added 25 goals, 24 assists, 46 penalty minutes and had a plus-6 rating in 62 games with the Syracuse Crunch (AHL). MacKenzie has been a minor-league journeyman and can be ignored in Fantasy until further notice.
News: Blue Jackets C Derek MacKenzie scored a goal during a 5-3 win Sunday against Tampa Bay. MacKenzie made it 2-1 at 19:18 for his first career goal, pounding home a loose puck in the crease after Mike Smith turned the puck over behind his goal and two Columbus players fanned on open chances. "It was nice to finally get one, especially when we're hunting for a playoff spot," MacKenzie said.
Analysis: MacKenzie has been in the Atlanta organization for years before coming to Columbus in the offseason. He's nothing more than organizational depth at this point in his career and can be ignored in Fantasy leagues.
News: The Columbus Blue Jackets have called up D Aaron Rome and C Derek MacKenzie from Syracuse, according to the Columbus Dipatch.
Analysis: Neither of these players has any Fantasy value at this time. Ignore them.
News: The Columbus Blue Jackets assigned center Derek MacKenzie to the club's American Hockey League affiliate in Syracuse on Wednesday. MacKenzie was called up to help fill in for injured forwards Fredrik Modin, David Vyborny and Michael Peca. MacKenzie appeared in two games and recorded zero points.
Analysis: MacKenzie has 12 goals and six assists in 30 games with Syracuse, ranking second on the club in goals and tied for third in points. He is merely minor league roster filler at this time and can be ignored in Fantasy leagues.
News: The Blue Jackets placed right wing David Vyborny on injured reserve with a hip injury Sunday and recalled center Derek MacKenzie from their American Hockey League affiliate in Syracuse on Sunday.
Analysis: MacKenzie had 10 goals and five assists in 27 games this season for the Syracuse Crunch. He has played just 26 games in his NHL career and likely will be back in the minors once someone is healthy. Ignore him in Fantasy leagues.
News: The Columbus Blue Jackets have signed W Steven Goertzen, C Joakim Lindstrom, F Derek MacKenzie and minor-league D Dan Smith to contracts. Goertzen's deal is a two-year/two-way deal, while Lindstrom's is one-year/two-way. "Derek and Dan are good veteran players who can help out at the NHL level," general manager Scott Howson told the Columbus Dispatch. "How much they'll play in Columbus is up to them."
Analysis: In case you're wondering, a two-way contract means the player makes a set amount per day when he is in the NHL and then another set amount, much less, when he is in either the AHL or the ECHL, etc. The players mentioned above all have minimal Fantasy appeal and are only worth consideration in the deepest of formats.
News: Derek MacKenzie was recalled from Chicago of the AHL on Thursday.
Analysis: He might get into a few games for the Thrashers, but his Fantasy appeal is minimal.
News: Derek MacKenzie was recalled from Chicago of the AHL on Thursday to replace Steve Rucchin (head) on the active lineup.
Analysis: MacKenzie will get some regular playing time, but his Fantasy value is minimal in most formats.
News: C Derek MacKenzie was recalled from the Thrashers' American Hockey League affiliate in Chicago before Thursday's meeting with Pittsburgh and went scoreless in his first career game against the Penguins.
Analysis: MacKenzie should not be on Fantasy rosters at this time.
News: The Atlanta Thrashers have reassigned F Alex Bourret, F Joey Crabb, F Jason Krog, F Derek MacKenzie, D Mark Popovic, D Boris Valabik and F Kyle Wanvig to Chicago of the AHL.
Analysis: Only Bourret has any real Fantasy appeal, as he is a big-time prospect in the Atlanta organization. Stash him away on reserve in long-term keeper leagues, but avoid the others for now.
News: The Atlanta Thrashers re-signed forwards Kevin Doell, Derek MacKenzie and Karl Stewart earlier this week.
Analysis: Neither of the triumvirate will be useful from a Fantasy perspective in 2006-07.
News: Derek MacKenzie was recalled from Chicago of the AHL to replace Serge Aubin (knee) in the active lineup.
Analysis: MacKenzie might stick around as long as two weeks, but he has no Fantasy appeal.
News: Atlanta promoted MacKenzie from Chicago of the AHL Friday to replace Slava Kozlov (shoulder) on the roster.
Analysis: MacKenzie has little Fantasy value.
News: Derek MacKenzie was assigned to Chicago of the AHL on Wednesday.
Analysis: MacKenzie might see time later in the season with the Thrashers, but he is not an impact player from a Fantasy perspective.
