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Machacek's play regressed last season, and he wound up in Columbus after a swap of underachievers with the Jets. Injuries could open up a spot for him with the Blue Jackets, but more likely he'll head back to the AHL and try to get his career back on the upswing.
For owners in dynasty or long-term keeper formats, Machacek is on the very short list of players within the Winnipeg farm system worth keeping an eye on. His tallying seven points in six NHL games as part of a late-March call-up in 2012 certainly caught the eye of the Jets front office, making his chances at securing more minutes with the big club in 2012-2013 very likely. Remember his name in the later rounds of keeper leagues.
The biggest asset Machacek possesses is his size and strength, and he showed that last season when he recorded 53 points in 67 games for the Chicago Wolves of the AHL. He also managed to get 10 NHL games under his belt around the halfway point of last season, but failed to register a single goal or assist. Machacek will be competing with guys like Ben Maxwell heading into training camp for a spot on the Jets, and if he makes the team it will be based on solid play at both ends of the ice. He has shown he can be a force during playoff runs with the Wolves and has a good chance of becoming an NHL regular someday.
Last year with the Chicago Wolves, Machecek netted 20 goals and 28 assists for 48 points. His impressive play continued into the playoffs where he scored 7 goals and 4 assists in 13 contests. Machacek could definitely earn a spot with the Thrashers should he turn in solid performances in training camp, and if he does then he may deserve a look in very, deep or keeper leagues.