Ian Mitchell Signs Two-Year Contract with SC Bern After AHL Season

Former Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Ian Mitchell is set to embark on a new chapter in his career after securing a two-year contract with SC Bern in Switzerland’s National League. Currently playing with the Syracuse Crunch in the American Hockey League (AHL), Mitchell has demonstrated his skills on the ice and is ready to take his talents overseas.

This past season in the AHL, the right-shot blueliner made a significant impact, recording four goals and 23 assists for a total of 27 points across 60 games. His impressive plus-31 rating highlights his defensive prowess and ability to contribute to his team’s success. Although he participated in one playoff game for the Crunch, he was unable to find the scoresheet.

Mitchell was originally drafted by the Blackhawks as the 57th overall pick in the 2017 NHL Entry Draft. Over three seasons with Chicago, from 2020-21 to 2022-23, he played 82 games, accumulating four goals and 12 assists for a total of 16 points, alongside contributing 44 hits and 119 blocks to the team’s defensive efforts.

In the 2023 NHL offseason, Mitchell was traded, along with Alec Regula, to the Boston Bruins in exchange for Nick Foligno and Taylor Hall. His time with the Bruins saw him play 28 games, during which he recorded no goals, three assists, and a plus-4 rating. Now, as he prepares for his new role in Switzerland, Mitchell looks to reinvigorate his career and make his mark in European hockey.

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.