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Let's Play Hockey!
 Wild Files: Willie Mitchell
| Name: WILLIE MITCHELL | Height: 6'3" | Weight 205 |
| Birthday: 4/23/77 | Place: Port McNeill, British Columbia |
| Position: DEFENSE | Shoots: Left | 2003-04 Salary: $1,350,000 |
| Acquired: Traded from NJ Devils along with draft pick considerations for Sean O'Donnell 3/4/01. |
Willie Mitchell has quietly become the defensive leader of the Wild. He is the most physical of Minnesota's defensemen and often finds himself defending the best players in the game as he did in the Stanley Cup Playoffs last season, where he helped shut down Peter Forsberg and Markus Naslund.
Mitchell came at a steep price, costing the Wild Sean O'Donnell, but he has become a vital player for the long term growth of the Wild. He should remain a core member of the Wild as they work to become a powerhouse in the NHL.
Mitchell's offensive game is still developing. He has a hard slapshot, but has so far had difficulty putting it on net most games. He had two goals and 12 assists for the Wild in 2002-03, but finished the season with a +/- rating of +13. His ice vision and passing are improving steadily.
OUR TAKE
Mitchell is easily Minnesota's #1 defenseman. Getting him signed in the offseason was very important. Minnesota can be confident about their defense every time he's on the ice.
NOTES: None
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