From Beauchemin to Stalberg, we're taking a look at and grading (please read the criteria below) the 2009-10 season for every player who laced 'em up for the Maple Leafs for a significant number of games during the campaign, with an eye towards 2010-11. That means only guys that are still property of the Maple Leafs. We're doing this in concert with Maple Leafs Hot Stove. Next up, John Mitchell.
John Mitchell
#39 / Center / Toronto Maple Leafs
6-1
182
Jan 22, 1985
Years in the NHL: 2
Became a Leaf: Drafted in 2003, 5th round, 158th overall
Contract Status: Restricted Free Agent
Today's Maple Leaf Hot Stove's turn. Garrett Bauman will be taking the reins.
It’s difficult to know what to make of John Mitchell. During his Leafs’ tenure he has flashed obvious talent, but also a tendency to disappear for lengthy stretches. After a promising rookie campaign, Mitchell found himself struggling to earn ice time, playing in defensive role in front of shaky goaltending, and was later beset by a knee injury which caused him to miss 20 games.
A restricted free agent, it goes without saying that Mitchell will have a lot to prove should the team decide to bring him back.
Read the Full Profile at Maple Leafs Hot Stove and come over the jump for more.
Audience Participation
Rate Mitchell below on a scale of 1-10 (10 being the best) based on his performance relative to his potential and your expectations for the season - if he had the best year you could have imagined him having, give him a 10; if he more or less played as you expected he would, give him a 5 or a 6; if he had the worst year you could have imagined him having, give him a 1.
The Discussion
Do you expect Mitchell to return, and if so, what role suits him best? Also, to what degree did the knee injury affect his second half performance? Do you expect to see a different John Mitchell next season when he is back to 100%, or is what we’ve seen so far as good as it’s going to get?
Eye-Candy
How would you rate John Mitchell's 2009-2010 season?
| 1 | 9 |
| 2 | 9 |
| 3 | 33 |
| 4 | 35 |
| 5 | 38 |
| 6 | 18 |
| 7 | 8 |
| 8 | 2 |
| 9 | 0 |
| 10 | 1 |