Mikkelson netted his first NHL goal last season, but we're not counting on a whole lot more. He's pure journeyman at this point, and will bolster the Bolts' AHL squad for 2012-13.
It was another solid season for Sarich in 2010-11, as he functioned as a stay-at-home defenseman and tallied a plus-11 rating over 76 games. The big skater will never light up the scoreboard on a consistent basis as evidenced by his 17 points last season, but he doles out plenty of hits and is sure to be a top-four defenseman heading into the new campaign with Calgary.
Mikkelson did not do much in 2009-10 as he appeared in only 28 games. During that time he only scored two point and went a minus-five. For 2010-11, there has not been any indication that he will do more than he did last season. He has an intense fight ahead of him as he will need to supplant Cam Fowler and Brett Festerling for one of the Ducks' roster spots.
Mikkelson was the Ducks second round pick in 2005 and has yet to earn a permanent spot on the Ducks blue line. That won't change this season as the Ducks are loaded with NHL ready defensemen. Like last season Mikkelson will be one of the first call ups when injuries strike, but his offensive potential is limited as he only tallied two assists in 34 games for the Ducks in 2008-09.
Mikkelson will get his first taste of AHL hockey this season, as he will begin the 2007-08 campaign in Portland. Playing for Vancouver of the WHL last season he posted 29 points (six goals and 23 assists) in 69 games. That said, he doesn't have a place on your fantasy roster outside of deep keeper leagues.
Mikkelson is a name to remember, as one of the Ducks' top blue line prospects, but he's still a bit raw at just 19. He's likely two seasons away from seeing some time in Anaheim.
Mikkelson is a steady and dependable defensive defenceman who really needs to fill out his skinny 6'2" and 177 lb frame to survive in the NHL. He's not overly physical nor overly talented, but somehow, he gets the puck out of his zone and his job done. He played for Canada's under-18 squad in 2004-2005, so that has to count for something. Think fourth or fifth man in the NHL.
