Ethan MacKenzie, a 19-year-old defenseman from the Edmonton Oil Kings, is gearing up for his third attempt at the NHL Entry Draft after being previously overlooked. Following a strong performance at the U20 World Championships and impressive showings at the NHL combine, he hopes to be selected late in the second round on June 27. MacKenzie, who stands 6-foot-1 and weighs 195 pounds, describes himself as a two-way player with a competitive edge, drawing comparisons to NHL player Brett Kulak. His determination shines through as he prepares to transition to college hockey at North Dakota while waiting for his name to be called in the draft.

By the Numbers
  • Played 189 games with the Oil Kings over four years.
  • Ranked in the top five of the NHL combine for bench press, agility, and VO2.
Yes, But

Though MacKenzie has made significant strides, some evaluators note that past draft selections reflect a diversity of opinions on player potential, indicating that not being drafted does not always denote a player's lack of skill.

State of Play
  • MacKenzie participated in his first NHL combine, where he showcased his skills to multiple teams.
  • The Oilers, who hold the 52nd pick in the upcoming draft, are one of the teams interested in him.
What's Next

As the NHL Entry Draft approaches, MacKenzie remains hopeful for a selection while preparing for his upcoming college hockey experience at North Dakota, aiming to further improve his skills and increase his visibility for future drafts.

Bottom Line

Ethan MacKenzie has emerged as a strong candidate for NHL selection this year, leveraging his experiences and development to capture the attention of scouts, making his journey a testament to perseverance in the face of past rejections.