St. Louis Blues President of Hockey Operations and General Manager Doug Armstrong announced today that Mackenzie MacEachern, a forward for the team, will be undergoing surgery on his right shoulder, effectively ending his season. The decision comes after MacEachern sustained an injury during a game between the Springfield Thunderbirds and the Charlotte Checkers on January 27. While this development puts an end to his current season, MacEachern is anticipated to be fully recovered and ready to participate in the team’s training camp for the 2024 season, slated for September.
At 29 years old, MacEachern has been a notable presence in the Thunderbirds’ lineup this season, having played in 34 games and contributing 19 points, which include six goals and 13 assists. Hailing from Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, MacEachern has also made appearances in eight games with the Blues, where he notched an additional assist. Throughout his NHL career, spanning 123 regular-season games, MacEachern has accumulated a total of 20 points, with 11 goals and nine assists to his name.
MacEachern’s journey in professional hockey began when he was drafted by the Blues in the third round as the 67th overall pick during the 2012 NHL Draft. Since then, he has showcased his skills and commitment both with the Blues organization and during his stints with various teams in the league.
Unfortunately, MacEachern’s season has been cut short due to the need for surgery to address his shoulder injury, but the Blues’ management remains optimistic about his recovery and his future contributions to the team. This setback presents MacEachern with an opportunity to focus on his rehabilitation and return stronger for the upcoming season.
The loss of MacEachern for the remainder of the season poses a challenge for the Thunderbirds and the Blues, as they adjust their lineups and strategies in his absence. However, injuries are an inherent part of professional sports, and teams must adapt and rally together to overcome such obstacles.
In the meantime, MacEachern will undergo the necessary medical procedures and rehabilitation to ensure a full recovery. The support and encouragement from his teammates, coaching staff, and fans will undoubtedly play a crucial role in his journey back to the ice.
As the Blues and the Thunderbirds continue their respective seasons, they will undoubtedly miss MacEachern’s presence on the ice. Still, his determination and resilience serve as an inspiration to his teammates and fans alike as they look forward to his return in the upcoming season.
While it’s disappointing to see MacEachern sidelined due to injury, his unwavering commitment to his recovery and his passion for the game will undoubtedly fuel his return to action. In the meantime, the Blues and the Thunderbirds will continue to compete with determination and unity as they navigate the remainder of their respective seasons.