Andrew Brunette has made his first move as coach of the Nashville Predators.
Brunette, who was hired at the end of May to replace John Hynes, hired Derek MacKenzie as an assistant coach, the team announced Thursday. MacKenzie spent three seasons coaching with Brunette with the Florida Panthers.
Last season MacKenzie, 42, was coach of the Sudbury Wolves in the OHL.
MacKenzie played in 611 games 16 seasons in the NHL with the Atlanta Thrashers, Columbus Blue Jackets and the Panthers. He had 51 goals and 74 assists and was captain of the Panthers from 2016-18, and alternate captain from 2014-16.
“Derek MacKenzie’s track record as a player and coach in the NHL makes him a valuable addition to our organization,” Brunette said in a team release. “Having worked closely with him on an NHL bench before, I’ve been fortunate enough to see his leadership qualities firsthand and know he will develop strong connections and relationships with our players and staff.
“I’m excited to reunite with him here in Nashville and see him become a big asset for our team.”
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While he played with the Blue Jackets, MacKenzie played for three seasons under current Predators assistant coach and then-Columbus coach Todd Richards. He also played three seasons there with Predators center Ryan Johansen.
MacKenzie hire comes less than a week before incoming general manager Barry Trotz, outgoing general manager David Poile and Brunette will man the 2023 NHL Draft, which will be held at Bridgestone Arena on Wednesday and Thursday.
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: New Predators coach Andrew Brunette hires Derek MacKenzie as assistant
