Detroit Red Wings steal underrated defenseman from Original Six rival Boston Bruins

This under-the-radar move by GM Steve Yzerman could prove to be a savvy addition for Detroit, as Mitchell, a potential late bloomer, has a chance to earn a roster spot for the 2025-26 season.

It was a signing that flew over many heads of the former 26th overall pick Ian Mitchell.

Drafted in the second round by the Chicago Blackhawks in 2017, Mitchell appeared in 15 games with the Boston Bruins during the 2024-25 season, recording one assist, 10 shots, and 23 blocks while averaging 15:36 of ice time.

In the AHL with the Providence Bruins he ended up posting 27 points (4 goals, 23 assists) and a plus-11 rating in 47 games, plus three points in eight playoff contests. The previous season, Mitchell split time between Boston (two assists in 13 games) and Providence (24 points in 42 games).

Mitchell has 19 points in 110 NHL games and 93 points in 156 AHL games, and he's able to provide depth at both levels (NHL/AHL).

Before turning pro, Mitchell played at the University of Denver from 2017-20, tallying up 89 points in 116 games.

As a team captain in 2019-20, he earned First Team All-American and All-NCHC honors. He won the 2019 Spengler Cup with Canada and competed at the 2019 World Junior Championship, tallying three points in five games.

With Detroit's blue line needing depth, GM Steve Yzerman's low-risk signing of Mitchell could pay off big time.