Blues Sign Peter Mueller; Could Be a Concern for Hawks Fans

Apr 2, 2013; Tampa, FL, USA; Florida Panthers right wing Peter Mueller (88) brings the puck into the offensive zone as Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Sami Salo (6) and center Alex Killorn (17) defend during the first period at Tampa Bay Times Forum. Mandatory Credit: Douglas Jones-USA TODAY Sports

The St. Louis Blues added another piece to their already talented roster on Tuesday by signing Peter Mueller.

Mueller spent last season in the Swiss NLA with the Kloten Flyers. During his time with the Flyers, he had nearly a point a game with 46 points in 49 games which was good for 3rd in NLA scoring. Before his stint in Switzerland, he had a fairly successful NHL career in which he played for the Phoenix (now Arizona) Coyotes, the Colorado Avalanche, and the Florida Panthers. Mueller posted 54 points in his rookie season with the Coyotes, but in the following year, his production began to drop. He was eventually traded to the Avalanche. His last few years in the league, Mueller had to deal with multiple injuries, most notably, two concussions. He made a full recovery and signed a deal to play for the Panthers in the lockout-shortened 2012-2013 season, but his production was still down. Little interest from NHL teams that offseason prompted him to sign with Kloten.

Despite being a low-key signing, it could turn out to be more important than orginally thought. Mueller is a fast skater with good hands,who can play either wing. He also can set up on the point during the power play. The main reason I find this so interesting, is that earlier this offseason, Vladimir Sobotka decided not to re-sign with the Blues, instead opting to sign a contract with a team in the KHL. Sobotka had a few productive seasons with the Blues and was a decent part of their success. I thought the Blues had lost a slight step with not having Sobotka, but signing Mueller could make up for that and a little more. He could step in to be a 3rd line forward for St. Louis.

Of course there are many factors that play into this including whether Mueller can readjust to NHL play, and whether his past concussion symptoms will have an affect on his return.

All things considered, by signing Mueller, the Blues have gained more depth on an already talented team with a low risk, high reward move, and have added more competition in this very strong Central Division.

What do you think? Should Mueller be a concern to Hawks fans? Let us know in the comments below!

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