It's important to put some perspective on things; It may not be the best comparison because Mueller has much more experience, but if Anisimov was a healthy scratch, or Callahan or Dubinsky, I still wouldn't expect us to trade any one of them. Just because Mueller isn't part of their immediate plans doesn't mean he's on his way out.
I think that's a good point Rangerfan 10 ,and that may very well be. Will have to keep an eye on Mueller, I think the mindset of their team right now is to get some wins w/ veterans and keep interest in the team this year. Mueller has fallen out of favor on a team that has tremendous talent waiting in the wings, it may be a benching like Dubi got this year, only time will tell.
I don't want to be one of those fans that brings players that have no chance at being a Ranger again in to the discussion...but this lineup would be so much better with Zherdev...and the fact that many were saying Lisin and Higgins were both or at least one of them supposed to pan out and make us forget about Z is really the only reason I say his name. He'd be a lot better on the 2nd line than anyone else so far.
Lets also not forget that we're also very thin with center depth in the farm system. Giving away Stepan who has a career potential of a 2nd liner, or possibly a 1st just isn't worth it.
The great Peter Mueller was healthy scratch in Phoenix last night. Yotes are going with vets this season. I have consulted "the experts" they say Derek Stepan and a second rounder could get him here.
Those experts can take a hike. I almost lost my mind when the rumors about Stepan+ for Keith Tkachuk started surfacing at the deadline.
No way Slats admits defeat on this one after 13 games.
Habs fan here with no intent to troll... It's not been 13 games, it's been a hundred+ games... Something is wrong with Chris and the change of scenery doesn't seem to do him good. I am still a fan and hope he gets it together because he could have been something special. Tireless worker, awesome speed, awesome PK, could have been the best 3rd liner in the world or a very good 1st-2nd liner. The only thing that always made me cringe is his missed scoring chances. The year he scored 27 goals, he could have potted 45 Never seen a player miss as many empty netters or shooting in the crest. The way he played in his rookie year and until 2 years ago, you would have thought he'd be at least a 30-30 player with a C on his shirt. He did suffer a couple injuries that hurt his development but there is something else. I know what it is but I won't tell... I would probably get called a liar etc... and I don't wanna spend time arguing or trying to convince people I have some privileged info sometimes. One thing is sure he won't put his act together without help. Take it for what it's worth, I don't care if you think I am wrong. Gainey knew he was trading damaged goods. I hope he will benefit from the presence of his family wich is closer now. I hope he gets back to his former self because he is wasting his career.
I don't think Gainey would trade for him but I'd like him back for a pick (a 3rd seems insulting for him, but that's what I would offer). With Jacques Martin(old school discipline) in, I think maybe we can get him to be good again. He would have a spot on our second line and would help our PK. He is also a habs fan. But that won't happen. Good luck with him. You better keep him and be patient he is a very good hockey player and used to have a good head on his shoulders.
Good season to you all!!! I love playing against you guys! See you in the playoffs (hopefully...but we miss Markov ).
Honestly we're scoring so much that we can afford to have him around a little longer to hope he finds himself. I really think Higgins is much better than what we've seen. I'd give him a bit more time, no need to hit the eject button just yet Slats.
The great Peter Mueller was healthy scratch in Phoenix last night. Yotes are going with vets this season. I have consulted "the experts" they say Derek Stepan and a second rounder could get him here.
If you watched Mueller digress over the last two years and understood his physical deficiencies (like...he can't skate, he's too bulky etc.), you wouldn't be so cavalier. He may have already peaked. You could certainly get Mueller in a trade. Of course, he comes with the warning label that says "be careful what you wish for".
Higgins could score 4 tonight and be on the ice for 5 and some idiots on here would remark that he's worth every penny.
He's in a slump. Some guys hit that early, some hit a slump mid-season, some wait till the playoffs.
That said, every player has their price.
IMO giving up on a guy 14 games is when he's playing well, but not scoring is just short-sighted.
1. Thats not true. He hasnt played well period.
2. Its not just 13 games. He hasnt produced in two years. Quit chalking up last years poor stats due to injuries. He clearly is not the same player he was a few years back. This 13 game slump isnt as flukey as you think.
If you watched Mueller digress over the last two years and understood his physical deficiencies (like...he can't skate, he's too bulky etc.), you wouldn't be so cavalier. He may have already peaked. You could certainly get Mueller in a trade. Of course, he comes with the warning label that says "be careful what you wish for".
It's....strange trying to imagine someone digress for 2 years...thats one long digression.
Droughts happen. I refuse to micro-analyze everything from game to game. Look at the big picture, give him 40 games and see where he is at. He isnt the only players having troubles scoring goals for everyone clamoring to get rid of him.
Never seen a player miss as many empty netters or shooting in the crest. The way he played in his rookie year and until 2 years ago, you would have thought he'd be at least a 30-30 player with a C on his shirt. He did suffer a couple injuries that hurt his development but there is something else. I know what it is but I won't tell... I would probably get called a liar etc... and I don't wanna spend time arguing or trying to convince people I have some privileged info sometimes. One thing is sure he won't put his act together without help. Take it for what it's worth, I don't care if you think I am wrong. Gainey knew he was trading damaged goods. I hope he will benefit from the presence of his family wich is closer now. I hope he gets back to his former self because he is wasting his career. 
).
If he scores tonight I will never let you hear the end of it. Go Higgins.
