MacKenzie Entwistle Bio
MacKenzie Entwistle (born July 14, 1999) is a Canadian professional ice hockey player who currently plays for the Charlotte Checkers of the American Hockey League (AHL) while under contract to the Florida Panthers of the National Hockey League (NHL). A right winger who shoots right, he was selected by the Arizona Coyotes in the third round, 69th overall, of the 2017 NHL Entry Draft. Standing 6 feet 3 inches tall and weighing roughly 184 pounds, Entwistle has built his career as a depth forward known for his skating and defensive responsibility.
After being traded to the Chicago Blackhawks before ever suiting up for Arizona, Entwistle spent several seasons developing within the Blackhawks organization before signing with the Florida Panthers as a free agent in 2024. He remains under contract with the Panthers through a two-year extension signed in the summer of 2025.
Early Life and Background
MacKenzie Entwistle was born on July 14, 1999, in Georgetown, Ontario, Canada. He grew up in a household where athletics played a central role, raised by his mother, Margeret Entwistle, and his father, Dave Entwistle. Both parents were active in sports during their younger years, with his mother playing volleyball and his father competing in rugby at the provincial level for Ontario.
With his father’s English heritage, Entwistle was introduced to a variety of sports during his upbringing. He played soccer, lacrosse, and ice hockey, an athletic background that helped him develop the coordination and competitiveness required for competitive hockey. Georgetown, a community northwest of Toronto, provided a typical Canadian minor hockey environment in which he could refine his skills.
Path to Hockey
Entwistle eventually focused on ice hockey and joined the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), the top major junior development league in Canada. He played for both the Guelph Storm and the Hamilton Bulldogs during his major junior career, gaining exposure against high-level competition and positioning himself as a prospect for the NHL Draft.
His play in the OHL caught the attention of NHL scouts, and in the 2017 NHL Entry Draft he was selected 69th overall in the third round by the Arizona Coyotes. Before he ever played a game in Arizona’s system, however, the Coyotes included him in a multi-player trade that sent him to the Chicago Blackhawks in July 2018.
MacKenzie Entwistle Career
Early Career (2019–2021)
Entwistle signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Chicago Blackhawks on October 17, 2018, beginning his professional career. He split time between the Blackhawks and their AHL affiliate, working to establish himself as a reliable bottom-six forward. His role during these early seasons focused on penalty killing, forechecking, and providing energy on the fourth line.
During this developmental phase, Entwistle also continued to play for the Charlotte Checkers, who served as an AHL affiliate. He used these games to refine his two-way game and adjust to the pace of professional hockey.
Chicago Blackhawks Era (2018–2024)
Entwistle spent five seasons in the Chicago Blackhawks organization after the July 2018 trade that also brought Marcus Kruger to Chicago in exchange for Marian Hossa, among other pieces. He appeared in NHL games with the Blackhawks while continuing to log significant minutes in the AHL. His time in Chicago represented the longest stretch of his early professional career, and he earned a reputation as a dependable defensive forward.
Throughout his Blackhawks tenure, Entwistle focused on rounding out his game, contributing on the penalty kill and in defensive zone draws. He developed into a player coaches trusted in tight-checking situations, even when his offensive production remained limited.
Florida Panthers Era (2024–Present)
After his contract with Chicago expired, Entwistle departed as a free agent and signed a one-year, two-way deal with the Florida Panthers on July 2, 2024. The Panthers were the defending Stanley Cup champions at the time, giving him an opportunity to join a contender.
Under his Florida contract, Entwistle was assigned to the Charlotte Checkers in the AHL, where he continued to play a regular role. On July 3, 2025, he signed a two-year, two-way contract extension with the Panthers, securing his place in the organization through the 2026–27 season.
Playing Style and Strengths
Entwistle is regarded as a defensive-minded right winger whose primary strengths are skating, penalty killing, and physical play in the defensive zone. His 6-foot-3 frame allows him to win board battles and provide length on the forecheck, while his hockey sense helps him contribute in a structured bottom-six role.
Notable Events and Milestones
A defining moment in Entwistle’s career came on July 12, 2018, when he was traded from the Arizona Coyotes to the Chicago Blackhawks as part of a multi-player deal. His signing of a two-year extension with the Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers in 2025 marked another milestone, reflecting his continued value as a depth forward.
MacKenzie Entwistle Family
Family Background and Sports Lineage
Entwistle was raised by his parents, Dave and Margeret Entwistle, both of whom were active in sports during their youth. His mother played volleyball, while his father played rugby at the provincial level for Ontario. With his father’s English heritage, Entwistle grew up exposed to a variety of sports, including soccer and lacrosse alongside ice hockey.
Personal Life
MacKenzie Entwistle keeps his personal life largely out of the public eye. He was born and raised in Georgetown, Ontario, and continues his professional career in North America under contract with the Florida Panthers organization.
2025 Season Performance
Entering the 2025 season, MacKenzie Entwistle is signed to a two-year, two-way contract extension with the Florida Panthers that runs through the 2026–27 campaign. He is expected to continue splitting time between the Panthers and their AHL affiliate, the Charlotte Checkers, providing organizational depth at right wing.
His role within the Panthers system is built around defensive reliability, penalty killing, and energy in the bottom-six forward group. With the Panthers coming off a Stanley Cup win and looking to defend their title, depth players like Entwistle are valuable contributors who can step into NHL games when needed.
Looking ahead, Entwistle’s outlook for the 2025 season centers on consistency in his two-way play and remaining ready for NHL opportunities. His contract extension underscores the Panthers’ confidence in his value as a steady, defensive forward.
