NHL Free Agency: Willie Mitchell Signs with Los Angeles Kings

The Los Angeles Kings have just announced that they have reached a verbal agreement with defenseman Willie Mitchell.

Mitchell was selected 199th overall in the 1996 NHL Draft by the New Jersey Devils. Mitchell spent a few years with the Albany River Rats (Devils' farm team) before leaving for Minnesota. He had a few solid years with the Wild before he moved on to the Vancouver Canucks.

Willie Mitchell is a very physical shut-down defenseman who will fit right in with the Kings defense. He also brings experience and leadership to a young team.

Personally, I love this signing. Mitchell will be a great mentor for the Kings' young defenseman such as Drew Doughty and Jack Johnson. He is also the shut-down defenseman the Kings lacked in the playoff series against the Vancouver Canucks.

The contract terms have yet to officially be announced, but I can confirm that it is a two-year deal that will earn him $3.5 million per season.

If you have any questions or comments, feel free to email me at ToddCordellNHL@Gmail.com anytime, thanks.

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