BY GEORGE RICHARDS grichards@MiamiHerald.com
TWITTER: @GeorgeRichards
The Panthers took a gamble on a player they think can help their offense by signing forward Peter Mueller to a one-year contract on Thursday.
Mueller, 24, is a talented player who scored 22 goals in 81 games as a rookie with Phoenix. Mueller has suffered multiple concussions since, however, but said Thursday that his doctors are behind him “100 percent” and that he hasn't felt this good physically since that freshman campaign in 2007-08.
“There are no red flags,'' Mueller said. “Everything is a go.''
The Avalanche chose not to tender a contract offer to Mueller (he made $2 million last season and was due a 10 percent raise) thereby putting him on the market at such a young age.
Mueller's new deal with the Panthers is for $1.7 million as Florida retains his rights for the 2013-14 season as well. General manager Dale Tallon talked about Mueller playing alongside former teammate Scottie Upshall and rookie Jonathan Huberdeau.
“I'm just looking forward to a fresh start. There's no secret about my past,'' said Mueller, who has missed big chunks of the past three seasons because of concussions.
“As I spoke to Dale, he told me what he's expecting out of me and I'm expecting a lot out of myself. I'm coming in with a great attitude. I'm ready to rock and roll this coming season.''
Mueller's problems started in 2010 soon after being traded to Colorado from Phoenix as he suffered a season-ending concussion in April. Mueller came to camp the following fall and everything looked fine. Mueller took another shot to the head in the Avalanche's first preseason game, however, and he missed the entire 2010-11 season.
Last season was one of conflict for Mueller. After missing the first 40 games, Mueller returned and had some strong games – including a two-goal performance in an overtime win against the Panthers four games into his return. Mueller had some groin issues as well last year, but scored seven goals in 32 games.
“I hope to get him the way he was his rookie year,'' Tallon said. “He seems to be revitalized. We did our due diligence. He understands this is a great opportunity. He's a top six forward with size and skill. He's still young. This is well worth the risk for us to sign him to a one-year deal and hopefully get back to where he was before he was injured.''
Florida hasn't been very active on the free agent market since it opened July 1, adding a few minor league prospects as well as Mueller, defenseman Filip Kuba and enforcer George Parros. The Panthers have lost defenseman Jason Garrison (Vancouver), Mikael Samuelsson (Detroit), Krys Barch (New Jersey) and Wotjek Wolski (Washington).
The Panthers hope that they replaced Samuelsson with Mueller. If he is able to stay healthy, they just may have.
“We think he can play the point on the power play, has good skills,'' Tallon said. “I liked him this past year, the two years he played in Denver. We checked him out and everything checked out fine. He's excited about the opportunity. He's young and has a lot of good years ahead of him. If he plays well, he could be here for a very long time.''
LOVE this signing. Low risk...High Reward!!!!
Posted by: Tallon Rulz | July 13, 2012 at 01:05 PM
Hey George, why is Versteeg not listed on the Panthers roster?
Posted by: Michael Harris | July 15, 2012 at 07:49 AM
Keep him healthy and motivated and he can be a good player. Those are two GIANT question marks, though, as he's really never been both for his entire career.
Posted by: Ross | July 19, 2012 at 01:42 PM