Colorado Avalanche re-sign Peter Mueller
The Colorado Avalanche have announced that they have re-signed forward Peter Mueller to a two-year deal worth $4 million. The contract will see Mueller earn $1.5 million in the first season and $2.5 million in his second.
Mueller was drafted eighth overall by the Phoenix Coyotes in the first round of the 2006 National Hockey League entry draft. He spent the 2006-07 season with the Western Hockey League’s Everett Silvertips, amassing 21 goals and 78 points in only 51 games. The following year he joined the Coyotes organization and had an outstanding rookie campaign, notching 22 goals and 54 points. Mueller then struggled through the 2008-09 season only managing 36 points. His sudden drop in production led to him being traded to the Avalanche at last year’s trade deadline.
Mueller is a big bodied centre that has the potential to slot in on the wing next season. The Avalanche are blessed with a great deal of depth at centre ice, with the likes of Matt Duchene and Ryan O’Reilly likely to fill the second and third line spots. Mueller is therefore expected to garner second line wing duty.
The Minnesota native was very effective upon his arrival in Colorado exploding for 20 points in a mere 15 games. Teamed up with Duchene and T.J. Galiardi the Avalanche are hoping that Mueller’s success at the end of last season was not just an aberration. The 22-year-old should feed off the success of a young Colorado club and coach Joe Sacco’s willingness to work with young players. Nevertheless, the Avalanche are one of the NHL’s youngest squads upfront and Mueller will have to continually battle to hold a place in the top six.
Last season split between Phoenix and Colorado Mueller managed 13 goals and 24 assists for 37 points in 69 games.
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