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A few weeks ago I wrote about a few centers around the league who the Calgary Flames could have interest in pursuing. Of those names, one player who remains unsigned and of possible interest is Peter Mueller.
Just as my blog from yesterday suggested with Ilya Bryzgalov, the Flames are currently in a position where they can afford to take chances on certain players. Whether or not the Flames brass agrees with me, I feel that Mueller would be a good option for the Flames to test out in the off chance that he can return to old form.
Only 25 years old, the 6’2 210lbs forward has experience in two areas which the Flames can use added depth; on the right wing and down the middle. While Peter has not played a full NHL season since about 2009, he is a capable 3rd line guy who has the potential to play 2nd line if he continues to improve since his concussion(s) suffered in 2010.
Given that a guy in his present state could be had for a reasonably low cap hit, Mueller would be a low risk high reward for the Flames who are looking to stockpile their depth right now. He is a young, big bodied player who was on track to put up around 30pts in a full season with the Panthers. He appears to have recovered from his injuries, though it’s always a gamble with guys who suffer multiple concussions in a short period of time.
What is noticeable about Mueller last year with the Panthers, is that not a single other player on the roster managed as many shots as he did(131) with such low shooting percentages(6.1). What this says to me is a lack of confidence in his game which could be as a result of being removed from a full season for a couple of years. With such high shot totals, it would only follow that they will eventually start finding the back of the net and, just like any player has ever said while in a scoring slump, getting that confidence back is critical.
Handing Mueller a $1.5-2M, one year contract would not hurt the Flames in any way, shape, or form. They have extra cap space right now, are amidst a rebuild, and continue to look for young players for their roster who can have some future upside. Having Peter as a 3rd line guy playing behind Stajan(2nd line) and Backlund(1st line) isn’t a horrible idea and heck, maybe Mueller takes over minutes from Stajan down the road.
What do you guys think?
On a side note – There were over 2700 votes with respect to the Bryzgalov poll and around 58% of my readers felt that the Flames should give him a shot. It was an interesting debate and I enjoyed sharing a few thoughts with all of you who took place!
Seems the consensus for most fans was Bryzgalovs character flaws and how he would not be the greatest locker room guy to have on a rebuilding team. You guys could be right…but I feel whichever team (does) give him a chance will be rewarded in the long run.
As always, thanks for reading!
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