The Utica Comets announced earlier this afternoon that they have released Canucks prospect Brett McKenzie from his ATO

The full press release is here:

McKenzie had attended the Canucks training camp but had been assigned to the Utica Comets last week. The young pivot hoped to secure a spot with the Comets, but it’s clear that he was unable to do and will return to the North Bay Battalion for his overage year.

The Vars, Ontario native was drafted after his draft plus one season which meant he turned 20 earlier this year and could’ve played in the AHL if Canucks management felt he could hack it. McKenzie had appeared in both AHL pre-season games this past weekend for Utica. From the parts that I was able to catch, McKenzie didn’t look overmatched or behind. It’s likely that the Canucks and Comets management felt that he would be buried behind other players there and want to ensure that he plays as much as possible.

He will get that in North Bay as he was their #1 centre last year, and will likely return to that same role. The Battalion are off to a great start with 3 wins and 1 overtime loss in four games and adding McKenzie would only add to their squad. If they do tail off as the season goes on, they may look to move McKenzie for future pieces. That may even happen if the Battalion management feels that they aren’t going to win it all this year and want to cash in on an asset that they will lose next year.

The Canucks retain McKenzie’s rights until June 1, 2018, unless they sign him to a three-year entry level contract.