Chicago Blackhawks News: Ian Mitchell signing brings excitement
The Chicago Blackhawks need help on defense. Well, Ian Mitchell is on his way and that should go a long way in helping them in that area.
The Chicago Blackhawks really have something in Ian Mitchell. He has had been in the spotlight for Chicago drafted college players this season because everyone wants him to come into the NHL now. We won’t have to worry about him going back to Denver for another year and potential free agency because he has signed his entry-level deal with the Hawks.
Mitchell will forgo his senior season at the University of Denver to have a chance at the NHL. Obviously, he has to make the team as he tries to avoid playing for the Rockford Ice Hogs but all signs point to him being ready to play in the National Hockey League. They might have a much younger defense in 2020-21 if Mitchell is in the mix but that is not necessarily a bad thing.
It is interesting to think about who Mitchell would play with once he gets to the NHL. A solid two-way guy like him is probably is the best fit. He will probably form a good trio on the right side with Adam Boqvist and Connor Murphy. The Hawks need Murphy to stay healthy and see more growth in Boqvist. Boqvist is probably more offensively gifted than Mitchell but Mitchell is set up to be better as an all-around guy.
With all of that in mind for the right side, they need to find good players for each of them on the left side. Duncan Keith might be the perfect fit for him as a partner. Keith is probably the defenseman in the history of the franchise so it is hard to see Mitchell living up to that role but he does resemble him to some degree.
Mitchell was very good in college playing for Denver. He continued to get better as his years went on as well. In 2019-20, he had 10 goals and 22 assists for 32 points in 36 games. He also had the honor of being the captain of the team which shows he is a leader. He is perfect leadership material for a team like the Chicago Blackhawks. Don’t be surprised if he has a letter on his sweater one day in the future of his career.
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This was a brilliant move for Chicago to have him turn pro. He has come a long way since being a second-round, 57th overall, in the 2017 NHL Draft. The Hawks surely are lucky to have this guy in the mix and he should be so excited to get started. This team could be building a nice young core to see their legends ride off into the sunset.