Scouting Report

1996-97 Season
Acquired from N.Y. Islanders with Don Beaupre for future considerations (Damian Rhodes and Ken Belanger), Jan. 23, 1996. Missed 29 games in contract dispute.

The Finesse Game
Muller's reputation took a pounding from his badly handled Islanders tenure. For most of his career, Muller has been extolled for his leadership. He is a gritty player who makes the most of his skills -- which are above average, but well shy of world class -- by exerting himself to the utmost. Muller plays at his best with linemates who have keen enough hockey sense to pounce on the pucks he works free with his efforts along the wall. He does not have a clever passing touch. He is a sturdy player through traffic and has some speed, but he won't dazzle. He doesn't give up until the buzzer sounds, and he takes nothing for granted. Muller is not an especially gifted playmaker or shooter. None of his plays will make highlight films. Their ooh and ahh factor is low, but the result is in the net one way or another. It helps if he plays with at least one winger with a good burst of speed. Muller is defensively strong and can shut down the opposing team's top centres. He can work both special teams.

The Physical Game
Muller blocks shots. He ties up players along the boards and uses his feet to kick the puck to a teammate. Ditto for his work on face-offs. Strong on his skates, he uses his skateblades almost as well as his stickblade.

The Intangibles
Muller scored 25 points in 36 games with Toronto despite missing a lot of playoff time in the first half of the season. He is in the garden spot (pun intended) in Toronto as the number two centre behind Gilmour, and should score 55-60 points. He is a versatile player who can take some of the load off Gilmour.

SOURCE: HOCKEY SCOUTING REPORT