John Mitchell played in 548 NHL games, the last 326 with the Avalanche in five seasons ending in 2017. He played two seasons in Germany before returning to Colorado and retiring last summer. He was named to the Denver Post all-decade team (2010-19) in December.
Mitchell, 35, is beginning a youth coaching career with the triple-A Colorado Thunderbirds, who added former longtime NHLer David Clarkson to the mix a year ago. Clarkson and Mitchell both grew up in Ontario, Canada, and will coach the T-Birds’ 16-under team next season.
Q: How far back do you go with David Clarkson and is coaching just a hobby or a career move for you?