By: Jason Cooke | Follow me on Twitter / X @cookejournalism
It isn’t a Linus Ullmark trade, and it isn’t Jake DeBrusk news, but Don Sweeney and the Boston Bruins have kickstarted the offseason with their first roster decision. The Bruins announced on Sunday that Ian Mitchell has been signed to a one-year, two-way contract extension with a $775,000 hit to Boston’s projected cap space of nearly $22 million.
The 25-year-old blueliner skated in just 13 games with the Bruins last season, recording two assists after being dealt to Boston with Alec Regula last June for Nick Foligno and Taylor Hall. However, the 6’2″ defenseman certainly made his mark with the Providence Bruins, collecting 6-18-24 in 42 games with Boston’s minor pro affiliate.
A smooth, smart player, Mitchell stood out in Providence’s 42-win season but never proved his mettle with the big club on the depth chart. Despite this extension, it is still unlikely Mitchell will find himself playing at TD Garden in the 2024-25 season. However, we’ve all seen what players can do once they receive a shot in the NHL—just ask Parker Wotherspoon or Justin Brazeau. It’s possible, but rather far-fetched. The move primarily serves to round out Providence’s roster while providing Sweeney with injury depth in emergencies.
It is worth noting that Mitchell has a connection with Bruins bench boss Jim Montgomery, playing under him at the University of Denver in 2017-18. Mitchell played three seasons with Denver, totaling 18-71-89 in 116 games. He was selected 57th overall by the Chicago Blackhawks in 2017.
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