I haven't seen it officially announced but according to NHL.com 31 year old center Craig MacDonald is now listed as a Columbus Blue Jacket.
The move would make sense given losing out on Zenon Konopka to the Tampa Bay Lightning. MacDonald, like Konopka, is a very good AHL center but has yet been able to catch on full time at the NHL level.
MacDonald has been a pro for 10 years. In that span he has 225 career NHL games notching 10g and 23a and a -16. He played in 65 games last season for the Lightning scoring 2g 9a and a -10.
Sportsnet's take on him:
Assets
Is well rounded, versatile and a smart forward. Does the little things needed to win hockey games.
Flaws
Lacks offensive flair. Needs to bulk up more. Is limited to role-player status at the NHL level.
Career potential
Reserve forward.
From what I've read from Tampa fans they were very pleased with this guy's performance last year. Apparently he works hard every shift and plays through pain. He definitely sounds like the kind of player Howson/Hitch would be interested in for depth.
The move would make sense given losing out on Zenon Konopka to the Tampa Bay Lightning. MacDonald, like Konopka, is a very good AHL center but has yet been able to catch on full time at the NHL level.
MacDonald has been a pro for 10 years. In that span he has 225 career NHL games notching 10g and 23a and a -16. He played in 65 games last season for the Lightning scoring 2g 9a and a -10.
Sportsnet's take on him:
Assets
Is well rounded, versatile and a smart forward. Does the little things needed to win hockey games.
Flaws
Lacks offensive flair. Needs to bulk up more. Is limited to role-player status at the NHL level.
Career potential
Reserve forward.
From what I've read from Tampa fans they were very pleased with this guy's performance last year. Apparently he works hard every shift and plays through pain. He definitely sounds like the kind of player Howson/Hitch would be interested in for depth.
MacDonald should take Konopka's place as a center in Syracuse minus the leadership of course.
Right now the Jackets center depth looks as follows:
Umberger
Brassard
Peca
Malhotra
Novotny
MacDonald
Its to be seen where a guy like Filatov will play but I'm thinkin a wing for now until they can see how he measures up against the competition.
I think the Jackets will also continue to pursue a guy like Derek Mackenzie for more veteran depth and scoring presence for Syracuse.
Puck-rakers also has a little more on the Filatov situation and where the contract negotiations are at with Leclaire.
Nothing really new on Filatov besides what we already knows which is that they are waiting on the NHL to validate his contract and then get his work visa paperwork going. A waiting game at this point.
As far as Leclaire apparently Howson has made a counter on Leclaire and his camp is considering it. The gap appears to be closing but at a snails pace.
That's about all that's going on today.
-LTL
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2 comments:
As far as I have been told, they got Mackenzie done as well.
I liked Mackezine--good energy, seemed to have some grit and brought energy to the lineup. A good call up guy for sure.
The reason Leclaire isn't resigned is is because Don Meehan represents every dang player in the league it seems like. Come on guys get it done!
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