Derek MacKenzie officially named Panthers captain

The Florida Panthers have made it official, naming Derek MacKenzie - not Aaron Ekblad - the ninth captain in franchise history.

He was introduced at the team's trip to West Point Military Academy, along with Ekblad and Jussi Jokinen, who will serve as alternates.

It's a curious decision, given MacKenzie's limited on-ice role. But the Panthers do covet a veteran presence, having previously entrusted Willie Mitchell with the captaincy.

MacKenzie is the definition of a journeyman, but impressed the organization enough to score a two-year contract extension this summer.