I won't compare Mueller to anyone from this year's draft (but suffice it to say, I'm thrilled to have him and Turris). The sky is the limit for Mueller, though. His offensive skills have been discussed plenty, but it's his defensive play that makes him such an attractive prospect. I definitely don't want anyone to think I'm saying he'll be as good as Peter Forsberg, but he plays the same type of game and has many of Forsberg's skills (all scaled back, obviously).
Those of you who were quick to shove this post back in PhoPhan's face, take a closer look.
This is the most fair comparison I've seen on this board. Read it closer, nobody was comparing him to Peter Forsberg's level, simply comparing his playing style. He protects the puck, distributes the puck, and is the same style of passer/playmaker as Forsberg. Imagine if Peter Forsberg was a 20 goal, 50 assist guy who didn't lay people out with high elbows. That's Peter Mueller, spot on IMO.
I saw him enough this season to know that his point totals were not reflected by his skill level, but more so by his willingness to be the high forward in the zone, the guy who is responsible defensively, making more of an effort at shutting down the opposing team's forwards. He grew leaps and bounds this season, and I would feel safe in saying I haven't seen another player
look like an NHLer the way Peter Mueller does every time he's on the ice in my entire time in the WHL...maybe with the exception of Carey Price and Ryan Getzlaf. Some guys you see on the ice just have that poise, you look at them and know that some day they will be NHLers in some way shape or form.
1. Kane
2. Mueller
3. Turris/JVR
4. Turris/JVR