John Mitchell

John Mitchell (born January 22, 1985) is a Canadian professional ice hockey centre currently playing for the Connecticut Whale of the American Hockey League (AHL). He was drafted in the fifth round, 158th overall by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft.

Playing career
Mitchell grew up in Waterloo, Ontario playing minor hockey for the Waterloo Wolves of the Alliance Pavilion League. In the 2000-01 season, Mitchell led his Waterloo Wolves Bantams to a solid season and was selected in the 1st round (19th overall) of the 2001 OHL Priority Selection by the Plymouth Whalers.

Mitchell was selected in the first round, 19th overall, of the 2001 OHL Priority Selection Draft by the Plymouth Whalers. He served as captain of the Whalers in his final season with the team.

He was drafted by the Toronto Maple Leafs and played for their American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate Toronto Marlies for three seasons. He began the 2008–09 NHL season with the Toronto Maple Leafs of the NHL. On November 1, 2008, he scored his first two career goals against Stephen Valiquette of the New York Rangers in a 5–2 win. He was also selected as the game's first star.

On February 28, 2011, Mitchell was traded from the Toronto Maple Leafs to the New York Rangers in exchange for a seventh round draft pick in 2012.