We are going to be taking a look at some of the blue Jacket players who’s contracts are expiring. Now we know that in general, everyone wants to restructure the Jackets. But it is apparent that this will not be a nuclear restructuring So some will remain, some will be gone. I have chosen to look at these 2 4th line centers together. I’m pretty certain that both will not be retained. It is possible that neither will be retained. But if we would retain one, which would it be?
Derek MacKinzie Born Jun 11 1981 — Sudbury, ONT ;Height 5.11 — Weight 180 — Shoots L ; Selected by Atlanta Thrashers round 5 #128 overall 1999 NHL Entry Draft. Derek has 193 NHL games of experience. 13 with the Thrashers and 180 with the Blue Jackets. He has 19 goals and 26 assists. Last year he did play a little on the 1st and 2nd line, but the majority of the time he is a 4th line center. 2011-2012 salary $600K ; a plus 18 over the last 2 seasons for Columbus. Has speed and determination. Goes full out on defense and offense. Probably gets a little overexcited on breakaways, but has scored shorthanded. Good on the penalty kill.
Darryl Boyce Born Jul 7 1984 — Summerside, PEI ; Height 6.00 — Weight 200 — Shoots L ;Undrafted; Darryl has 84 NHL games of experience, 20 with the Jackets and 64 with the Maple Leafs, and has 6 goals and 12 assists. 2011-2012 Salary $700. Obtained on waivers from the Leafs in 2012. By his own assessment, wonders if his performance on the PK cost him his job. He was pressed into MacKinzie’s function when D’Mac went down. Performed fairly well and skated very similarly. He had no goals and 3 assists in 20 games.
Key- Boyce is 4 years younger, and is slightly bigger. Questions- is 4 years younger enough to warrant a 2nd chance on his performance as a fresh start with a new team. Their goal % vs shots is similar.
My opinion:
- Boyce- 20games is not enough to do an evaluation as to whether the change is organizations is going to open the opportunities for a player. I would offer a 1 year2 way contract with the Springfield Falcons in mind. If he develops, fine, if not then you have given Springfield a veteran player to build on for the AHL. Short answer- No
- MacKinzie- tougher call. But, D Mac is a hard working, hard nosed player. He is not the most talented, but he does have skills. He is a good roll player. He is Very steady on the PK. Considering the character that the Blue Jackets want to build, I say keep him. I would still go with a 2 way contract and 2 years max on the contract length, as his skills are dependent upon his speed. Short Answer – Yes