Mueller signs with Coyotes
Published 11:17 am Thursday, July 12, 2007
Peter Mueller may be on his way to the NHL.
As had been expected, the playmaking Tips center signed a professional contract with the Phoenix Coyotes, inking the deal this morning.
Mueller signing was hardly surprise — he seemed to be a week away from signing ever since Everett’s season ended in April.
Now comes the intrigue.
Signing the deal doesn’t mean Mueller won’t be back with Everett next season. But it does suggest an increased likelihood that he’ll make the Coyotes this coming season as a 19 year old, especially considering he was close to making the team last season. The question is whether Mueller is physically and mentally ready for the rigors of the NHL. That’ll be for Phoenix to decide during training camp in September, but I wouldn’t be surprised if Mueller has played his last game for Everett. He’s absolutely capable of dazzling the Coyotes during camp and earning a roster spot.
As for the Tips, losing Mueller would be a serious talent drain. He’s a first-team Western Conference all-star, a former WHL Rookie of the Year and mans the point on Everett’s power play. However, general manager Doug Soetaert has always said that the Tips are prepared to move on without him, and Everett still has elite offensive talents in Zach Hamill and Kyle Beach. So while losing Mueller would be a blow, I’m sure the Tips would survive without him.
