MacDonald made the jump to professional hockey in 2025-26 after signing with Columbus as an undrafted free agent out of North Dakota. The 6-foot-4 defenseman appeared in 58 games with Cleveland, recording three goals and four assists while accumulating 74 penalty minutes. MacDonald’s defensive game and physicality remain his calling cards, and the Blue Jackets signed him to a two-year, two-way contract that runs through 2026-27, so there is always a chance that he could be called up this season. Meanwhile, he should continue competing for minutes in Cleveland while working to round out his puck-moving and offensive game.

After two seasons in the NCAA, Macdonald has his ELC in hand and is on his way to the Cleveland Monsters in the fall. The second year collegiate scored three goals and added seven assists in 35 games. This is not the area where Macdonald will earn his keep however. He is a big- 6-4, 230 lb- play smothering defender who will put himself between the puck and the net. As he adapts to the pro game, we will get a chance to see if he is destined to be a category coverer for our leagues where hits and blocks are valuable. Since players like this are readily available on the wire, one likely doesn’t need to spend a roster spot on him, but his talents may warrant a watchlist if that archetype of defender has value in your leagues.

The Columbus Blue Jackets signed MacDonald to a two-year, entry-level contract beginning with the 2025-26 season.