'He's an impressive kid': Blackhawks defenseman Ian Mitchell gets 3-year deal
The Blackhawks agreed to terms with defenseman Ian Mitchell on a three-year, entry-level contract Monday. With COVID-19 shutting down the NHL, the start date and average annual value of the deal have not been determined.
Mitchell impressed during training camp last September and had a chance to be one of the Hawks' top six D-men, but he elected to return to the University of Denver for his junior year instead.
"He's an impressive kid," Hawks GM Stan Bowman said at the time. "As you guys have spent a little time talking to him he's going to be a captain there for a reason. He's an articulate guy, he's very team-oriented.
"You got to give him credit. He feels like there's unfinished business and I think he's committed to the team and committed to his teammates."
Mitchell, a second-round pick (57th overall) in 2017, tied for sixth among NCAA defensemen with 32 points (10 goals, 22 assists). His 10 goals tied for first among his conference's blue liners. He also led the conference in short-handed goals (2), game-winners (3) and shots on goal (100).
In his three seasons with the Pioneers, Mitchell had 18 goals and 71 assists in 116 games.
Mitchell really started opening eyes around the Hawks' organization during the team's development camp in 2017.
"He was the youngest guy there at the camp and he was noticeable," Bowman said. "Then he comes back last year and he takes step forward and here we are now."
Barring trades or buyouts, Mitchell will join a crowded blue line that includes Duncan Keith, Connor Murphy, Calvin de Haan, Olli Maatta, Adam Boqvist and possibly Brent Seabrook if the veteran is ready after undergoing three surgeries. Nicolas Beaudin, Lucas Carlsson, Nick Seeler, Dennis Gilbert and unsigned RFA Slater Koekkoek also figure to be competing for jobs.
The way Bowman spoke about Mitchell during camp, however, leads one to believe that he's a favorite to be on the opening-night roster.
"He's got offensive skills but he also competes defensively," Bowman said. "What we're looking for him to do is build on that and become a dominant player like he wants to be.
"Yeah, we would love to have him as a pro right now but I think he's going to be a pro pretty soon. ... With a year in college as a dominant player he'll be even more ready to be a pro."