Will Bitten

February 2021 – Bitten spent some time on Minnesota’s taxi squad before being sent down to Iowa in early February. He’s yet to make his AHL debut this season. Sam Happi

September 2019 – Bitten has been cut from Minnesota’s camp and assigned to AHL Iowa. After a solid AHL debut campaign, the 21 year old is trending towards an NHL role potentially as soon as 2020-21. Sam Happi

March 2019 – The human garbage collector is an undersized forward that has carved a role out of getting to the dirty areas and cleaning up rebounds in front of the net. He’s put together a solid rookie season with the AHL’s Iowa Wild with 10 goals and 13 assists in 55 games. Although he’s getting the chance to play against men for the first time, Bitten hasn’t changed his bulldog playing style. He has a consistently high motor and is a relentless forechecker. Tenacious when defending, he is able to pressure defenders into turnovers that often lead to scoring chances for Bitten’s unit. This will translate well in a PK role in the NHL. He has a versatile skill set that will allow him to play up and down the lineup. Likely headed for a middle six scoring role with an NHL team, the Wild are allowing Bitton to realize his potential by playing solid minutes in the AHL. Depending on the wing situation heading into training camp, Bitton could compete for a spot on the NHL club in the near future. Tony Ferrari

October 2018 – The speedy sparkplug Bitten has been acquired by the Minnesota Wild in exchange for oft-injured defenseman Gustav Olofsson. Bitten is yet another undersized scorer that can play center or wing that the Wild seem to love. Bitten has good hands, outstanding wheels, and a compete level that’s second to none. He will make the jump from the OHL to the AHL this season and I think this is a savvy move by new GM Paul Fenton. He may not have the highest ceiling fantasy-wise but he is a name to monitor as his first AHL season wears on. It could take a couple seasons to develop but Bitten’s tenaciousness on the puck could bring in hits in a bottom-six or an up and down the lineup type role. Tyler Matson

October 2018 – Bitten has been traded from Montreal to Minnesota in exchange for defenseman Gustav Olofsson.  Jokke Nevalainen

March 2018 – Nearing the end of his junior hockey career, Will Bitten has signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Montreal Canadiens. The feisty forward remained his consistent self offensively, netting 61 points in 59 games. Bitten will join the Laval Rocket at the conclusion of the OHL playoffs where his Bulldogs are expected to have a good run after winning their conference. If he doesn’t get in any games for the Canadiens affiliate this season Bitten will have to wait until next September to dawn the red-white and blue. Mike Barrett

September 2016 – After refusing to report to the Flint Firebirds, WIll Bitten has finally had his wish granted as the Firebirds have traded the Canadiens prospect to the Hamilton Bulldogs. The price was of acquiring the speedy forward was steep, as the Bulldogs had to move quality players in Connor Hicks (goalie) and Fedor Gordeev, along with two future second-round picks. It will be a fresh start, and a great opportunity for Bitten to develop his game and take it to the next level. Mike Barrett

June 2016 – Veering away from their recent tendency to draft large forwards, the Canadiens opted 70th overall for the smallish Bitten. In his second season with the dysfunctional Flint Firebirds, the two-way center functioned just fine by bumping up his offensive totals to 30 goals and 65 points in 67 games. He enhanced his stock further with eight points in seven games for Canada at the U-18 world championship. His strong character and determination lead to 200-foot play that leaves room for offensive contributions. Mark Allan

April 2016 – Captaining a poor team in a bad situation as a 17-year-old, Will Bitten has been a driving force for the Flint Firebirds in the 2015-16 season despite his smaller stature. Used in all situations, Bitten’s stats might not show all of the skill and heart the young man brings to the table as he was leaned on very heavily this past year to play in every situation. With exceptional playmaking ability, saucer passes, and elite on-ice vision, many of Bitten’s best plays didn’t result in goals due to the below average team around him. A sneakily quick skater with excellent lateral mobility and shiftiness, Bitten likes to dance around defenders and find open lanes before releasing his quick wrist shot. Able to deke goalies with little or no space, Bitten’s hands are some of the best in this draft class, but questions about his future will remain for now because of his slight build. – Aynsley Scott