The Tampa Bay Lightning have traded for defenseman Ian Mitchell from the Detroit Red Wings, sending forwards Michael Milne and Wojciech Stachowiak in return. This move bolsters Tampa Bay's defensive lineup with Mitchell's strong performance this season. The transaction was announced on the American Hockey League's website.
The Tampa Bay Lightning strengthened their defense by acquiring Ian Mitchell from the Detroit Red Wings on an unspecified recent date. In exchange, the Lightning sent forward Michael Milne and forward Wojciech Stachowiak to Detroit.
Mitchell, a defenseman, has posted four goals and 16 assists with a plus-27 rating in 45 games for the AHL's Grand Rapids Griffins during the current season. He signed with Detroit as a free agent on July 1, 2025. Across six professional seasons, Mitchell has tallied 27 goals and 86 assists for 113 points and a plus-51 rating in 201 AHL appearances with Grand Rapids, Providence, and Rockford. Selected in the second round by Chicago in the 2017 NHL Draft, he has also recorded four goals and 15 assists in 110 NHL games with the Blackhawks and Bruins.
Michael Milne, acquired by Tampa Bay from Minnesota on December 28, 2025, has two goals and four assists in 34 AHL games this season split between the Syracuse Crunch and Iowa Wild. In his fourth professional year, Milne has 32 goals and 34 assists for 66 points in 191 AHL games with those affiliates. A third-round pick by the Wild in the 2022 NHL Draft, he made his NHL debut with Minnesota last season in one game.
Wojciech Stachowiak is playing his first professional season in North America after competing in Germany since 2020. He has nine goals and eight assists in 38 games with the Syracuse Crunch. Stachowiak represented Germany at the 2026 Olympics, earning one assist in two games.
This trade reflects ongoing roster adjustments in the AHL ahead of potential NHL call-ups.
