Ian Mitchell

June 2025 – Mitchell, now 26, has seen his NHL window pretty much close, barring a wild turn of events. The once highly-touted offensive rearguard rode his NCAA success with high expectations as a pro, culminating in a huge rookie season in the AHL that saw 35 points in 57 games – this after getting in a half season in the NHL the year prior as a 21-year-old. But things came apart after that. Between injuries and bouncing back and forth between leagues, Mitchell was never able to establish himself as a second-pairing NHL defenseman. He stopped using his shot that was such a weapon in lower leagues and even with ideal offensive zone time, he wasn’t making things happen. Now he’s a depth player and journeyman with little hope of having fantasy value. – Dobber

June 2023 – Mitchell is on the move, heading to the Boston Bruins in a trade that saw him and Alec Regula exchanged for Taylor Hall and Nick Foligno. He will get pushed down the defensive depth chart as a right-shot blue liners. However, that sheltering may help him get a better grasp of the fast-paced NHL.  He will still need to show what he can do in training camp but may have chance to crack the line up this year as he is ready to make that jump into the NHL. Puneet Sharma

June 2023 – Mitchell was injured for the beginning of the season which did not help his case. He had multiple stints in the NHL and AHL respectively throughout the season and also was a healthy scratch a few times. Mitchell has the ability to be a solid defensemen on the back end but and he has not had a proper chance to show the organization what he can truly do, and with so many defensemen in the pipeline his time may be quickly running out. Puneet Sharma

July 2022 – This past season Mitchell has taken positive steps towards becoming a serious candidate for making the Chicago Blackhawks defensive lineup. Although he may have played fewer games in the NHL as opposed to last season, it is exactly what he needed to build his confidence and help him be calmer and less anxious in the defensive zone. The 23-year-old was encouraged to go back to the basics and simplify his game. The previous Blackhawks management threw Mitchell into the NHL too fast, as it has done with a few other players on the team, which resulted in slowing down his progress. Mitchell played a total of eight games with one point and spent most of his season in the AHL with the Icehogs where he played 57 games and put up 11 goals and 24 assists. Mitchell was named the Defenseman of the year by the Rockford Icehogs. By taking a step back Mitchell has been able to strengthen his game. He will need a strong training camp to make his case for this coming season. Puneet Sharma

October 2020 – Training camp cannot come quick enough for the former second round pick in 2017. Fresh off signing a new contract, Mitchell will be looking to bring his overall solid game straight to the NHL. Do not bet against him. Tony Carr

April 2020 – More help for the Blackhawks defense is on the way as they have signed Mitchell to a three-year entry-level contract. The captain of the University of Denver will forgo his senior season to turn pro. Hawks fans are breathing a sigh of relief with this signing, as most thought it would have happened last season. Mitchell brings an all-around solid game and will have an inside track to make the opening day roster. The Hawks defense core is getting younger but now is the time to get these youngsters some valuable minutes. Tony Carr

February 2019 – This is becoming a season of accolades for the sophomore defenceman. Playing out of the university of Denver, Mitchell was named to Team Canada for the WJC where he played a solid tournament in all areas. Next was a Hobey Baker nomination, the award given to the top US college hockey player. Finally, Mitchell was named an NCHC (National Collegiate Hockey Conference) Distinguished Scholar Athlete. All of this points towards many positive steps in his overall development. Tony Carr

December 2018 – Mitchell is having a great season at the University of Denver and has been named to Team Canada’s preliminary roster for the upcoming World Junior Hockey Championships. An alternate captain for the Pioneers, Mitchell will looked upon to add leadership to the Canadian roster. Tony Carr

August 2018 – Mitchell impressed at the prospect camp held in July. He was able to show off his elite level shooting and his developing physical play during the scrimmages and drills. Expectations are high for the 2017 second rounder, who will be entering his second season with the University of Denver in the fall. Tony Carr

February 2018 – Mitchell has taken his considerable skill set to the University of Denver where he has continued to control play using his great skating. Named Bauer NCHC Defenseman of the Week (Jan. 22, 2018), he is piling up points in his freshman season, currently sitting with 22 in 28 games played. In order to make the transition to professional hockey, Mitchell will need to work harder in his own zone while defending. This would be the weakest point of his game although he is far advanced when compared against his peers due to his excellent skating and positioning.  Tony Carr