For Mackenzie MacEachern, maintaining an NHL career requires constant perseverance and profound gratitude. The 31-year-old Vancouver Canucks winger continues to embrace the grind in a profession known for its relentless demands and uncertainty.
From Stanley Cup Glory to Vancouver's Bottom Six
Even when a healthier lineup suggested he might be watching from the press box, MacEachern's determination never wavered. The hockey lifer, whose name is engraved on the Stanley Cup, found himself back in action against the Dallas Stars, replacing Lukas Reichel in a challenging 4-2 loss at Rogers Arena.
MacEachern logged just 6 minutes and 54 seconds of fourth-line ice time as the Canucks repeatedly fell behind and chased the game. Despite limited minutes, his perspective remains shaped by remarkable career highlights, particularly his involvement in the St. Louis Blues' miraculous worst-to-first championship run in 2019.
A Day with the Cup and Lasting Perspective
Though MacEachern didn't meet the official NHL criteria of 41 regular-season games or a Stanley Cup Final appearance, the Blues organization recognized his contribution. With 29 games played that season and his name on the championship roster, he received both a ring and his cherished day with the Stanley Cup.
The Bloomfield Hills, Michigan native prioritized meaningful experiences during his Cup celebration. His first stop was the Children's Hospital of Michigan in Detroit, where he created unforgettable moments, including placing a baby inside the trophy for photographs. Only afterward did he visit his gym and a car dealership before hosting a private gathering with family and friends.
"It's fun to share those moments with other people, especially with kids going through way bigger battles that we athletes have ever endured," MacEachern reflected. "To see the smiles on their faces put everything in perspective."
The Journey Through Professional Hockey
MacEachern's path through professional hockey has included three NHL teams and four AHL clubs since being selected in the third round of the 2012 draft by St. Louis. He signed a two-year, $1.55 million contract with Vancouver on July 1, and has recorded four points (one goal, three assists) over seven games this season, plus two goals in seven games with AHL affiliate Abbotsford.
His career totals include 24 points (12 goals, 12 assists) in 130 regular-season games and two points (one goal, one assist) in 13 playoff appearances with both the Blues and Carolina Hurricanes.
"I got my first stint when I was young and I don't think you truly appreciate it," MacEachern admitted. "When I got sent down (to the AHL), I started to really appreciate what I do and how hard it is to be in the NHL and stick. Whenever I do get my moments, I don't take it for granted."
MacEachern has demonstrated versatility in Vancouver's lineup, playing on both the third line with David Kampf and Jake DeBrusk, and the fourth unit with Lukas Reichel and Linus Karlsson. His consistent approach regardless of ice time—ranging from eight to thirteen minutes—has earned praise from Canucks head coach Adam Foote.
"He's stiff, he's been in situations before, he's hard on pucks and good on the walls," Foote noted. "What I like is you might get six, eight or ten minutes and you're the same player. He's ready for whatever he gets and is reliable and predictable."
Looking Toward the Future
With one year remaining on his contract, MacEachern has begun considering life after hockey. "Tough question," he responded when asked about future plans. "I really don't know. There are a bunch of different avenues."
While his family operates in the car dealership business and he previously considered financial advising, his experiences in professional hockey have redirected his interests. "Now that I've gone through the ranks of hockey, and have been up and down, I think I'd like to come back," MacEachern revealed. "You see young guys sent down and I want to give them as much help as possible."
The transformation from NCAA scorer at Michigan State—where he recorded 14 goals and 30 points in 37 games during 2015-16—to reliable NHL depth player required significant adaptation. His time under demanding coach Craig Berube during St. Louis's championship season proved particularly formative, with veteran David Perron playing a crucial mentorship role.
"It was the coolest and the most-fun team I've ever been a part of," MacEachern recalled of the 2019 Blues. "The guy who brought me along was Perron. He's still playing and the best puck protector I've ever seen."
Now in Vancouver, MacEachern continues to approach each day with the perspective of someone who understands both the pinnacle of hockey success and the challenges of maintaining an NHL career.
