MacKenzie has plenty of connections with Andrew Brunette and the Nashville Predators.

This morning General Manager Barry Trotz announced the Nashville Predators have hired Derek MacKenzie as an assistant coach. The 16 year NHL veteran most recently coached the OHL Sudbury Wolves and spent time behind the bench in Florida with Predators' newly named head coach Andrew Brunette.

Andrew Brunette spoke highly of MacKenzie in the press release referencing his leadership qualities and their experience together with the Panthers organization. 

"He will develop strong connections and relationships with our players and staff," Brunette said of MacKenzie. 

MacKenzie's connections in Nashville go beyond his time in Florida with Andrew Brunette. MacKenzie shared ice time back in his OHL playing days with former Predators captain Mike Fisher. During his NHL playing years in Columbus, Brunette was coached by Predators assistant coach Todd Richards who was the bench boss for the Blue Jackets from 2011-2014. Dan Hinote was MacKenzie's assistant coach for four seasons, and MacKenzie was teammates with current Predator Ryan Johansen as well. 

MacKenzie's last NHL assistant coaching stint was with the Panthers from 2019-2022. Last season with the Sudbury Wolves, MacKenzie led the team to a 31-28-6-3 record and a postseason appearance. His team boasted four 20 goal scorers, and five players he coached landed in the NHL Central Scouting final rankings. 

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