Blackhawks: When will Ian Mitchell sign an entry-level contract?

With other young prospects signing with the Chicago Blackhawks it begs the question, when will Ian Mitchell sign with the team?

Ian Mitchell is one of the most talked-about prospects the Chicago Blackhawks have the rights to. Mitchell was drafted in the second round of the 2017 draft, playing for the University of Denver since then.

In 116 games, Mitchell has scored 18 goals with 71 assists for 89 points.

Adam Boqvist could use some young help on defense, that’s where Mitchell comes in. There have been rumors circling of a possible signing this summer fo Mitchell, which would be great for the team.

Chicago has so many young defensemen who can be the future of this franchise. They might not have the next Duncan Keith but they have at least four solid players on defense that are good enough to make Chicago Stanley Cup contenders.

If Mitchell can add to that, he’ll be a perfect fit. Under contract right now for next season, the Blackhawks have Keith, Boqvist, Brent Seabrook, Calvin de Haan, Olli Maatta, Nick Seeler, Lucas Carlsson, Nicolas Beaudin, Dennis Gilbert, Alec Regula, Chad Krys, and Connor Murphy.

Free agents include Slater Koekkoek, Joni Tuulola, Ian McCoshen, and T.J. Brennan.

The Blackhawks’ front office have nothing else better to do during this pause of play, why not work out a deal that brings Mitchell to Chicago for the 2020-21 NHL season?

I think he’ll need some time in the AHL, but he could find his way with the Blackhawks at some point next season. It’s hard to transfer from the college game to the NHL, but it has been done before.

With less pressure on Mitchell to perform right now, the AHL is a good place to start. If the Blackhawks were desperate for players, I’d say push him into a starting role. Currently speaking, I don’t see a spot for him to find constant playing time in the NHL, just yet.

I expect him to sign by the end of the summer. Getting him set up with either the IceHogs or the Fuel is best for his career. I wouldn’t be surprised if we saw Mitchell find his way into the NHL.