Panthers name Derek MacKenzie 9th captain in team history

Panthers fans are holding their breath as Jonathan Huberdeau needed help leaving Saturday's preseason game against the New Jersey Devils with an apparent leg injury.

The Florida Panthers named Derek MacKenzie as their new captain Sunday.

Willie Mitchell last wore the ‘C’ with the Panthers up until last season. Forward Jussi Jokinen and defenceman Aaron Ekblad will serve as the alternate captains.

MacKenzie, a native of Sudbury, Ontario and veteran of 453 career NHL games, is entering his third season with Florida. He previously played for the Columbus Blue Jackets and Atlanta Thrashers.

“He lives the right way, has character and the players see his work ethic every day,” Gallant said to the Herald. “Derek treats people the right way. We brought him here [from Columbus] because of his work with younger players.”

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