The University of Minnesota forward has agreed to terms on a three-year, entry-level contract with the Buffalo Sabres, the team announced Monday.
In 34 games with the Golden Gophers this season, Mittelstadt collected 11 goals and 19 assists, finishing second in team scoring.
The Minnesota native was also a key contributor for Team USA at the 2018 World Junior Championship, as he picked up 11 points across seven appearances.
Mittelstadt is expected to join the Sabres' roster later this week, TSN's Bob McKenzie reports.
The Sabres selected Mittelstadt with the eighth overall pick in the 2017 draft.
As NHL teams are officially eliminated from Stanley Cup contention, theScore NHL freelance writer Katie Brown takes a look back at the highs and lows of their season, along with the biggest questions ahead of 2018-19. The fifth edition focuses on the Montreal Canadiens.
The Good
The youth movement. The Canadiens have a terrific core of young players 25 and under - a group that includes Artturi Lehkonen, Brendan Gallagher, Charles Hudon, Phillip Danault, Victor Mete, Jonathan Drouin, and Alex Galchenyuk. Some, like Hudon and Mete, have made significant strides individually this year; others, like Galchenyuk and Drouin, are still looking to reach their full potential. But it's clear that the Canadiens don't need to tear it all down and rebuild; they have the pieces. It's just a matter of putting their young core in a position to succeed.
Carey Price will be better next year. It was an absolutely brutal year for Price, who struggled with chronic fatigue syndrome and missed time with a concussion. But he has a long summer to recover and get back to his Vezina Trophy-winning form. As Price goes, so go the Canadiens.
Antti Niemi has been terrific.Niemi looked like a lost cause during the first part of the season in Pittsburgh, where he was supposed to be the veteran backup to Matt Murray. He was placed on waivers twice in three weeks and ended up in Montreal after being waived by the Florida Panthers, a move many thought signaled the end of Niemi's career. Since he was claimed Nov. 4, he's posted a solid record of 6-4-4, with a 2.25 GAA, a .936 save percentage, and a shutout in 16 appearances.
It looked like Charlie Lindgren had the backup spot locked down earlier in the season, but Niemi has certainly given the Canadiens' management something to think about this summer.
The deficiencies have been identified. In some ways, losing Price for parts of the season was a good thing. He has masked some of the Canadiens' faults for years - and his absence exposed areas of weakness that Montreal will undoubtedly look to shore up in time for next season.
The Bad
They're down a cornerstone player. Beyond Price, the Canadiens need a franchise player to build around, but who will it be? Captain Max Pacioretty has been in trade rumors and could be gone. Can Drouin become that guy? This team needs a player to forge an identity around - and someone the fan base can get excited about.
That terrible start. Some teams can survive starting the season 1-7-1, but not the Canadiens. They were playing catch-up from the beginning and never recovered. Add Price's struggles and injuries to Shea Weber and other players to the mix, and they never really stood a chance.
The thin blue line. Defensive issues have plagued the Canadiens all season long. Weber hasn't played since December and some of general manager Marc Bergevin's offseason moves look suspect in hindsight. He opted not to hang on to Andrei Markov and gave up his best defensive prospect, Mikhail Sergachev, to acquire Drouin.
The Canadiens need to focus on getting younger and faster on the blue line, and they have the depth to accomplish that without completely blowing it up -especially if free-agent options are scarce.
The Questions
What exactly is Marc Bergevin’s plan? What the Canadiens need is clear: a No. 1 center; a left-handed defenseman who can play top-four minutes, and a refreshed, restocked prospect pool. Trading Tomas Plekanec at the deadline was a no-brainer, but how does Bergevin acquire a top-four defenseman through trade when he doesn't have that much to offer?
He'll have an opportunity to add prospects at the draft, where the Canadiens have five picks in the top two rounds. And of course, there's the chance Montreal wins the first overall pick in the lottery and drafts Rasmus Dahlin.
Will Shea Weber be ready in the fall? Weber had surgery to repair tendons on his left foot during the second week of March. This is good news for those who've watched him battle the nagging injury; the not-so-good news is the projected six-month recovery time for the surgery.
If all goes as planned, Weber could hypothetically be ready by mid-September, and the Canadiens are hopeful he'll be ready for training camp. But just because he might be ready for training camp doesn't mean he’ll be ready for the start of the season. We don't know to what extent Weber will be able to train over the summer, if at all. So while he might be physically healthy, it could take him some time to get back into shape.
What is Pacioretty's fate? The Canadiens shopped Pacioretty at the trade deadline, but nothing came to pass. That's likely because the asking price was too high; TSN hockey insider Darren Dreger reported the package would have had to include a No. 2 center.
Pacioretty has one year left on a six-year contract with a reasonable $4.5-million cap hit. All signs point to Bergevin testing the market again during the offseason to see what he can get for the 29-year-old, who scored 30-plus goals in six straight seasons before settling for just 17 this season.
The Tampa Bay Lightning captain won't play Monday against Arizona and is considered day to day with a lower-body injury, head coach Jon Cooper announced.
The injury does not appear to be cause for concern.
Cooper says Steven Stamkos won’t play tonight vs. Arizona, called it “more maintenance” for him than anything. “Hopefully a little rest here will help him out.” Said it’s nothing long term to be concerned with. #Bolts
The Tampa Bay Lightning captain won't play Monday against Arizona and is considered day to day with a lower-body injury, head coach Jon Cooper announced.
The injury does not appear to be cause for concern.
Cooper says Steven Stamkos won’t play tonight vs. Arizona, called it “more maintenance” for him than anything. “Hopefully a little rest here will help him out.” Said it’s nothing long term to be concerned with. #Bolts
Columbus Blue Jackets forward and captain Nick Foligno is expected to miss two-to-four weeks after suffering a lower-body injury late in Saturday's game against the St. Louis Blues, general manager Jarmo Kekalainen announced Monday.
Foligno has scored 15 goals and added 18 assists in 72 games for a Blue Jackets team that currently holds third place in the Metropolitan Division, but has not yet clinched a postseason berth.
The playoffs will begin April 11, meaning Foligno may not be able to suit up until later in the first round, depending on where his recovery falls on the expected timeline.
The 13th installment of theScore's NHL Power Rankings was put together by editors Ian McLaren, Cory Wilkins, and Craig Hagerman.
1. Tampa Bay Lightning (51-20-4)
Previously 1st
This squad has been cruising all season, and tops the NHL in goal differential (+59). Expectations are high, and one gets the sense they'll strike hottest once the postseason rolls around. - McLaren
2. Winnipeg Jets (46-19-10)
Previously 4th
The Jets aren't resting on their laurels as the season winds down, as evidenced by a recent fight during practice and a current five-game win streak. Patrik Laine staying in the lineup after a foot injury scare sent history's biggest sigh of relief into the atmosphere. - McLaren
3. Boston Bruins (47-17-10)
Previously 3rd
Boston keeps rolling despite a host of injuries, and there's still a very real chance the Bruins can leapfrog the Lightning atop the Eastern Conference standings. For now, the priority is getting healthy, and getting Patrice Bergeron back is a huge first step. - McLaren
4. Nashville Predators (48-16-11)
Previously 2nd
Nashville already boasts a deep and talented roster, and the Predators appear set to add top prospect Eeli Tolvanen for the stretch run. A shootout loss to Winnipeg on Sunday, however, was their third straight game without a win. - McLaren
5. Toronto Maple Leafs (45-23-7)
Previously 6th
Toronto's in the midst of one of the most successful regular seasons in franchise history, and will be rewarded with a playoff path that involves matchups with Tampa Bay and Boston (likely without home-ice advantage). Chances are these young guns are up to the task. - McLaren
6. Vegas Golden Knights (47-21-7)
Previously 5th
Vegas reached 100 points and is on the verge of clinching a playoff spot. There's not much more to be said about the Golden Knights' inaugural season, but the history books will be even more kind to them if it translates into a playoff run. - McLaren
7. San Jose Sharks (43-23-9) ▲
Previously 13th
San Jose is the hottest team in the league, and the acquisition of Evander Kane is paying off. Joe Thornton doesn't seem close to returning, though, and Logan Couture appears to have suffered an injury Saturday. Without those two, the Sharks have far less bite, but for now, they're swimming pretty. - McLaren
8. Washington Capitals (44-24-7) ▲
Previously 9th
Alex Ovechkin is scoring, Nicklas Backstrom is dishing, and the Capitals are back atop the Metropolitan Division. A refreshed and healthy Braden Holtby is needed for them to go any further in the playoffs this year. - McLaren
9. Minnesota Wild (42-24-9) ▼
Previously 8th
Coming off a big win over Nashville, the Wild are flying under the radar out West, while Eric Staal is playing some of the best hockey of his career. - McLaren
10. Pittsburgh Penguins (43-27-6) ▼
Previously 7th
This team can never be counted out, and will only get stronger as the quest for Lord Stanley's mug approaches. - McLaren
11. Colorado Avalanche (41-26-8) ▲
Previously 18th
Three more wins will see the Avs double last year's abysmal 48-point finish, with center Nathan MacKinnon producing at a clip that should make him a strong Hart Trophy candidate. To say it's been a turnaround year in Denver would be an understatement. - Wilkins
12. St. Louis Blues (42-28-5) ▲
Previously 20th
For the second consecutive year, St. Louis sold off a key player and pending unrestricted free agent at the trade deadline. This time it was Paul Stastny, but his departure hasn't halted the streaking Blues. - Wilkins
13. Columbus Blue Jackets (42-29-5) ▲
Previously 14th
The 10-game win streak was snapped, but that string of victories is likely enough for the Blue Jackets to hold on to their playoff hopes. Deadline addition Thomas Vanek has been a surprising success since arriving in Columbus. - Wilkins
14. Anaheim Ducks (39-24-13) ▼
Previously 10th
The Ducks didn't play Saturday, but that didn't stop them from sliding to the second wild card, then out of the playoffs, then up to the third spot in the Pacific. Expect more of the same in Anaheim as the Ducks close out their regular season schedule. - Wilkins
15. Philadelphia Flyers (38-25-13) ▼
Previously 11th
The bloom has come off new goaltender Petr Mrazek, who put up a strong showing through his early goings in Philadelphia but now owns just five wins and an ugly .886 save percentage across 13 appearances. - Wilkins
16. New Jersey Devils (39-28-8)
Previously 16th
With star netminder Cory Schneider struggling, other Devils have stepped up, including Nico Hischier, who put up four goals in his last six outings. That stretch included New Jersey's third win over the Lightning. - Wilkins
17. Los Angeles Kings (41-28-7) ▲
Previously 19th
For a team in the thick of the playoff race, the Kings certainly aren't making things easy on themselves, as they've picked up just three wins in their past seven contests. Los Angeles will need to up its game over its final six outings. - Wilkins
18. Florida Panthers (38-28-7) ▼
Previously 15th
The Panthers still hold games in hand in the Eastern Conference's wild-card race, but they haven't done themselves any favors. Losses to basement clubs like Buffalo, Edmonton, and Ottawa (twice) could come back to bite them. - Wilkins
19. Dallas Stars (38-30-8) ▼
Previously 12th
The Stars' "road trip from hell" is over, and apparently just in the nick of time. After dropping six straight away from home, it's now all about picking up points, but that may be difficult for Dallas with starter Ben Bishop back on the shelf. - Wilkins
20. Calgary Flames (35-31-10) ▼
Previously 17th
Imagine trading a lottery pick (and more) for Travis Hamonic and then missing the playoffs. That's the reality the Flames face as they sit nine points back of a postseason berth. - Wilkins
21. Carolina Hurricanes (33-31-11)
Previously 21st
The chase is all but over in Carolina, with the Hurricanes sitting nine points out of the playoff picture. The offseason overhaul now begins, with new owner Thomas Dundon concluding his search for a new GM. - Wilkins
22. Edmonton Oilers (34-36-6)
Previously 23rd
The Oilers have been the talk of the league recently. Scratch that. Connor McDavid has been the talk of the league. Elsewhere, Edmonton's mediocre play has continued. - Hagerman
23. New York Rangers (33-34-8)
Previously 24th
The Rangers continue to play .500 hockey down the stretch. They could benefit from losing a couple more games, though. That could very well happen, as the team will dress a less experienced lineup going forward, with star rookies Lias Andersson and Filip Chytil set to get some valuable playing time. - Hagerman
24. Chicago Blackhawks (31-36-9)
Previously 26th
Two. That's the number of teams the Blackhawks have a better record than in the Western Conference after dropping six straight games. GM Stan Bowman will have lots of work to do in the offseason. - Hagerman
25. New York Islanders (31-34-10)
Previously 22nd
A team that sat on the edge of a playoff spot for much of the season has plummeted in recent weeks. Now 14 points out of the final wild-card spot in the East, it will be interesting to see how the John Tavares saga concludes. - Hagerman
26. Detroit Red Wings (27-37-11)
Previously 27th
With one win in their last 10 games, the Red Wings are two points away from sitting second-last in the East. Of course, with eight draft picks in the first four rounds, their late-season slump is likely for the best. - Hagerman
27. Montreal Canadiens (27-37-12)
Previously 25th
Carey Price is back and healthy, but he has allowed 11 goals in the two games since his return. He and Montreal need a reset, and perhaps a legit No. 1 center come next season. - Hagerman
28. Arizona Coyotes (25-39-11)
Previously 29th
The Coyotes have gone 5-5-0 in their last 10, but their hot play of late has taken them out of the best lottery position. They're still in the league basement, but should be careful they don't play themselves out of it in the final weeks. - Hagerman
29. Ottawa Senators (26-37-11)
Previously 28th
The Senators just allowed 18 goals during their three-game homestand. That about sums up their season. It's been bad on the ice and off, and luckily the sweet release of golf season isn't much further. - Hagerman
30. Vancouver Canucks (27-40-9)
Previously 31st
The Canucks have scored just 17 goals in 10 games since rookie phenom Brock Boeser went down with an injury. They're putting up decent efforts nightly, but the results aren't there. To be honest, it's the best-case scenario for a rebuilding club. - Hagerman
31. Buffalo Sabres (23-40-12)
Previously 30th
Much like the Canadiens with Price, the Sabres got their top star in Jack Eichel back from injury but have little to show for it. The 21-year-old has one assist in five games since his return and the team has lost four straight. Makes you wonder if it was worth bringing him back in the first place. - Hagerman
The Minnesota Wild have signed forward Jordan Greenway to a three-year, entry-level contract starting with the remainder of the 2017-18 season, the team announced Monday.
Greenway’s deal is three years at 925K per with A and B bonuses in Years 2 and 3. Will debut this week undoubtedly #mnwild
Greenway was selected 50th overall by the Wild in 2015, and has raised his profile considerably in the time since, not only at Boston University but also representing Team USA at the World Junior Championship and World Championship in 2017, and the 2018 Winter Olympics in PyeongChang.
This past NCAA season, Greenway recorded 13 goals and 22 assists in 36 games.
Canada will reportedly have a pair of general managers for the 2018 IIHF World Championship.
Sean Burke and Martin Brodeur are expected to be named co-GMs by Hockey Canada on Monday, according to TSN's Darren Dreger.
Burke served as GM of Canada's bronze-medal winning men's team at the 2018 Winter Olympics in PyeongChang; Brodeur was on the management team while concurrently working as the assistant GM for the St. Louis Blues.
Canada will begin play at the World Championship in Denmark on May 4 against the United States.
In 2017, Canada lost to Sweden in a shootout in the gold-medal game.
The 18-year-old forward and KHL club Jokerit mutually agreed to terminate his contract Monday morning after the club was eliminated from the postseason.
#Jokerit and @eeli1999 have mutually agreed to terminate the player’s contract. What a season for the boy wonder! We thank Eeli for his fantastic performances and wish him the best of luck in future games! #KHLpic.twitter.com/VDLuZwGeEJ
Tolvanen, who was selected 30th overall by the Predators in 2017, recorded 19 goals and 17 assists in 49 regular-season games for Jokerit this season, adding six goals and one helper in 11 playoff contests.
He also represented Finland at the World Junior Championship and at PyeongChang 2018.
