Blackhawks defenseman prospect Ian Mitchell will pass on going pro next season in favor of returning to the University of Denver for his junior season, the school announced Wednesday. The right-handed defenseman’s decision pushes back his ability to sign an entry-level contract with Chicago until the spring of 2020.
Mitchell, the Blackhawks’ second-round draft pick in 2017, had six goals and 21 assists in 39 games this past season for the Pioneers. He was also an assistant captain for the Canadian men’s national junior team at this year’s World Junior Championship, where he had a goal and three points in five outings.