Lightning Acquire Defenseman Ian Mitchell from Red Wings

Trade Brings Experienced Blueliner to Tampa Bay Organization

Mar. 13, 2026 at 8:19am

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The Tampa Bay Lightning have acquired defenseman Ian Mitchell from the Detroit Red Wings in exchange for forwards Michael Milne and Wojciech Stachowiak. Mitchell, 27, will join the Lightning's AHL affiliate, the Syracuse Crunch, and provides the organization with additional defensive depth and a potential call-up option.

Why it matters

This trade allows the Lightning to add an experienced defenseman to their system as they look to bolster their blue line depth. Mitchell's NHL and AHL experience could prove valuable if injuries occur on the Lightning's NHL roster throughout the season.

The details

Mitchell, who was originally drafted by the Chicago Blackhawks in 2017, has played 110 NHL games with the Blackhawks and Boston Bruins, recording 4 goals and 19 points. He has also appeared in 201 AHL games, tallying 27 goals and 113 points. The Red Wings will receive forwards Michael Milne and Wojciech Stachowiak, who will be assigned to the AHL's Grand Rapids Griffins.

  • The trade was announced on March 13, 2026.

The players

Ian Mitchell

A 27-year-old defenseman who was originally drafted by the Chicago Blackhawks in the second round of the 2017 NHL Draft.

Michael Milne

A forward traded by the Tampa Bay Lightning to the Detroit Red Wings as part of the deal for Ian Mitchell.

Wojciech Stachowiak

A forward traded by the Tampa Bay Lightning to the Detroit Red Wings as part of the deal for Ian Mitchell.

Julien BriseBois

The Vice President and General Manager of the Tampa Bay Lightning.

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What’s next

The Lightning will assign Ian Mitchell to their AHL affiliate, the Syracuse Crunch, where he will have the opportunity to continue developing his game and potentially earn a call-up to the NHL roster.

The takeaway

The Lightning's acquisition of Ian Mitchell represents a strategic move to bolster their defensive depth and provide themselves with additional options should injuries occur on their NHL roster. Mitchell's experience at both the AHL and NHL levels could prove valuable as the season progresses.