The Phoenix Coyotes traded Kevin Porter and Peter Mueller to the Colorado Avalanche for Wojtek Wolski in the first “hockey trade” of the deadline.
Wolski moves from the first line in Colorado alongside Paul Stastny to likely the first line alongside Shane Doan and Matthew Lombardi. We mentioned a few weeks ago how Mueller occupied the spot vacated with a season-ending Scottie Upshall injury. Now Wolski gets every opportunity to replace Upshall as the Coyotes look towards their first playoff birth since 2001-2002 and gain a new contract with an expected raise.
In Colorado both Mueller and Porter should gain an opportunity to prove themselves.
With Brandon Yip expected to miss four to six weeks Porter should get an opportunity to fill his shoes. Porter exhibits the ability to play the penalty kill and comes with an excellent pedigree, winning the Hobey Backer Award back in 2008.
Mueller could play on either the first or second line as Wolski found himself on either. He also showed the ability to quarterback the powerplay and should since Wolski manned the left point on their first unit prior to the trade.
With coach Joe Sacco playing most of his kids with confidence, both players should see a boost in their value. The only player who may lose value would be TJ Galiardi, who recently found himself on the top line with Wolski in the doghouse.
