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Head to the Net is very excited to be introducing a new contributor – Lucas Martin, to our team. The following post is his debut on our site.

Farewell Willie Mitchell, Farewell…

On the afternoon of August 25, 2010, Canucks fans found out that Willie Mitchell had signed a reported 2-year, $7 million contract with the Los Angeles Kings.  There appear to be mixed feelings about losing the BC boy, and for good reason.  This will help you understand what this move means to the Canucks faithful:

The Happy:

Some are fine with his departure, as he did play 4 years of solid hockey in Vancouver, posting 58 points during his time as a Canuck.  What they’re probably most pleased about is the fact that he didn’t hold a 1 hour nationally televised press conference to announce his departure.

The Sad:

It’s either bad luck or bad timing for the fans who did want him to stay, but unfortunately the Canucks didn’t have the cap room to sign him. Other fans are disgruntled because he is going to the Los Angeles Kings. Sure, the Canucks had a rough series against them in the playoffs, but it’s not as if he signed with the one team they hate more than Seinfeld hates Newman: the Chicago Blackhawks.

The Good:

Good?  It’s only good if you’re a closet Kings fan, or just happy for Mitchell and his bank account.

If you are a Los Angeles Kings fan, Mitchell will have quite an impact on your team. With the departure of Rob Blake 2 years ago, the Kings haven’t really had that one veteran defenseman to take their defensive core to the next level. Willie Mitchell will be able to bring that veteran mentality to a very young defensive core, mentoring Drew Doughty to even more success in the coming years.

Ah, who are we kidding?  There is no good!

The Bad:

Although he has been cleared to play by doctors and says that he is feeling better than he ever has in an off-season, his health will always be a lingering issue. All it takes is that one dirty hit – one game against Matt Cooke or Chris Pronger, and the concussion problems will come right back.

In the end:

All in all, Willie Mitchell was a great hockey player and an even greater person both on and off the ice during his 4-year tenure with the Vancouver Canucks.  At least we know that he’ll miss Vancouver as much as we’ll miss him.

Again, who are we kidding – he’s going to year round sun, Hollywood babes, and palm trees.  Be happy, fans, he’s in a better place now…

-to see our post on the clear choice for the Canucks captaincy, click here