Currently, Mitera is merely a depth defenseman with no fantasy value. He will open the season with Grand Rapids (AHL).
Mitera is a large man who knows how to use every bit of his 6-3 frame to rub out a forward. He's not skilled offensively and doesn't skate well, perhaps due to a knee injury suffered early in his pro career. But the former first-round pick (2006) understands his limitations and keeps the game simple. Could emerge as a good defenseman on a third pairing in the NHL.
Mitera has recovered from the torn ACL he suffered in October of 2008 and will play in the AHL this season. His fantasy value is non-existent as he is a defensive defensemen who has little to no chance of making the NHL team for the 2009-10 season.
Mitera will spend the 2008-09 season as a senior captain at the University of Michigan. In 43 games as a junior, Mitera potted a pair of goals and tallied 21 assists last season. A big, physical blueliner, Mitera may be able to leap from Ann Arbor to Anaheim during training camp in 2009, while he may receive a look late in the regular season after the college season is complete.
Mitera chipped in quite a bit more on the offensive end in his sophomore season at the University of Michigan (18 points in 40 games), but that will never be a huge part of his game. As is expected for a young defenseman, Mitera struggled at times in his own zone this season, but towards the end of the year he started to play much better. Mitera should eventually have a nice career as a solid, stay-at-home NHL defenseman.
Mitera is playing for the University of Michigan this season.
Mitera really opened some eyes at the 2006 World Junior tourament. He came in as Team U.S.A.'s seventh defenseman and almost immediately shot up the depth chart to number three (behind only Eric Johnson and Jack Johnson). You won't really notice him while he's on the ice and that's a good thing when it comes to defensive defensemen. He blocks shots, makes hits and clears the crease with ease. And his character is top-notch -- he's the kind of guy you actually wouldn't mind dating your kid sister. He has no future as a fantasy defenseman but he does have the potential to mature into a Jason Smith-type. Nothing wrong with that.
