Panthers sign MacKenzie Entwistle to one-year, two-way contract

The Stanley Cup Champions continue to add depth to their roster.

On Tuesday, Florida Panthers general manager Bill Zito announced the team had signed forward MacKenzie Entwistle to a one-year, two-way contract.

It is the third team Entwistle has been associated with in his pro career. The Georgetown, Ontario native was taken in the third round of the 2017 NHL Draft by the Arizona Coyotes. However, before ever getting the chance to play for the Coyotes, Entwistle was traded to the Chicago Blackhawks. It was the same deal that sent Marcus Kruger to Chicago for a couple of players and Marian Hossa’s contract.

Entwistle stepped into the pro ranks in 2019 with the Blackhawks’ American Hockey League affiliate, the Rockford IceHogs. He would make his NHL debut during the 2020-21 season, and would become a full-time resident with the Hawks in 2022-23.

The 24-year-old has proven he can play in any spot in the lineup. During his junior hockey days, Entwistle proved he can be an important two-way center, a talent that he has shown in spurts with Chicago.

In 193 NHL games, Entwistle has scored 15 goals and 20 assists. In 80 AHL appearances, he has registered 15 goals and 24 assists.

Prior to joining the Hawks’ system, Entwistle was a two-time Ontario Hockey League champion, winning championships with the Hamilton Bulldogs and Guelph Storm. He also represented his country on a couple of occasions. Entwistle played for Canada at the 2015 Under-17 World Hockey Challenge, 2017 IIHF Men’s Under-18 World Championship and 2019 IIHF World Junior Championship.

With the signing, the Panthers have 41 standard player contracts on the books for the 2024-25 campaign. According to CapFriendly, Florida has around $6.5 million in projected cap space for next season.