Coyotes Acquire Wolski From Colorado for Mueller and Porter

[ScottRasner]

GLENDALE, ARIZONA -- Phoenix Coyotes General Manager Don Maloney announced today that the Coyotes have acquired left wing Wojtek Wolski (VOY-teck VOHL-skee) from the Colorado Avalanche in exchange for forwards Peter Mueller and Kevin Porter.

“Wojtek Wolski is a terrific young offensive player,” said Maloney. “He is a talented goal scorer that will help us offensively and on the power play. He has great size and is just entering the prime of his career.”

Wolski, 24, has recorded 17-30-47 and 21 penalty minutes (PIM) in 62 games this season for the Avalanche, including two power play goals. Wolski led Colorado in plus/minus (15) and was tied for first in game-winning goals (4). He also ranked 2nd on the club in assists (30), points (47) and shots (156) and ranked 3rd in goals (17).

The 6-foot-3, 210-pound Wolski finished the 2007-08 campaign ranked 3rd on the Avalanche in assists (30), 4th in points (48) and 5th in goals (18). He set career-highs during his rookie season in 2006-07 when he registered 22-28-50 and along with Paul Stastny became only the third rookie duo since 1993-94 to reach 50 points. Wolski ranked among the League’s top rookies in goals (5th, 22), assists (5th, 28), power-play goals (5th, 7), power-play assists (5th, 10), power play points (5th, 17), shots (6th, 165) and shooting percentage (8th, 13.3%). He also participated in the NHL’s YoungStars Game on Jan. 23 in Dallas, collecting two assists.

In 302 career NHL games with Colorado, the Zabrze, Poland native has registered 73-120-193 and 81 PIM. Additionally, Wolski has collected 3-6-9 in 15 playoff games with the Avalanche. Wolski was originally drafted by Colorado in the first round (21st overall) of the 2004 Entry Draft.

Mueller, 21, has appeared in 54 games with the Coyotes this season, recording 4-13-17 and eight PIM. In 207 career NHL games with the Coyotes, the 6-foot-2, 204-pound Mueller has registered 39-68-107 and 64 PIM. As a rookie in 2007-08, Mueller collected 22-32-54 and 32 PIM in 81 games, all of which remain career-highs. Mueller was selected by the Coyotes in the first round (8th overall) of the 2006 Entry Draft.

Porter, 23, has played in four games with the Coyotes this season and has also registered 15-25-40 and 31 PIM in 52 games with San Antonio of the American Hockey League (AHL). The 5-foot-11, 190-pound Porter recorded 5-5-10 and four PIM in 34 games as a rookie with the Coyotes last season while also collecting 13-22-35 and 14 PIM in 42 games with San Antonio. Following the completion his collegiate career at the University of Michigan in 2007-08, Porter joined San Antonio for the 2008 Calder Cup Playoffs and collected four assists in seven games. Porter was drafted by the Coyotes in the fourth round (119th overall) of the 2004 Entry Draft.

[HordiBrusk29]

Not official just yet...but seems like it will be shortly.

[papas1175]

good deal for the yotes

[canuckfan]

Last night Wolski was rumoured to be on the move. Not surprised at all, but are Yotes fans confused or upset that Phoenix have passed up on Mueller?

[lakingsfan19]

As soon as it becomes official, they will be dancing in the streets of Phoenix. They need the scoring help right now. 0-32 on the PP lately, lost 3 straight (I think?), good pick up if it happens.

[ScottRasner]

Originally Posted by canuckfan

Last night Wolski was rumoured to be on the move. Not surprised at all, but are Yotes fans confused or upset that Phoenix have passed up on Mueller?

Phoenix have given him entirely to many chances to prove himself. He is nothing like he was in his Rookie year.

He floats like no ones business, and he is very lazy, waits for something to happen, and just flat out doesnt look like he cares anymore.

Its been 2 years of him dragging ass, and occasionally you'll see him flash around for 5 games and hes gone for 20.

Can anyone tell me how Wolski is?

[lakingsfan19]

Done deal per TSN

[DaleHunter32]

if and when its final, thats a lot of youth to give up.

not going by on ice performance, but i know those are 2 solid draft picks for PHO

[RayzorEdge]

Denver Post says its official

[lakingsfan19]

Originally Posted by ScottRasner

Phoenix have given him entirely to many chances to prove himself. He is nothing like he was in his Rookie year.

He floats like no ones business, and he is very lazy, waits for something to happen, and just flat out doesnt look like he cares anymore.

Its been 2 years of him dragging ass, and occasionally you'll see him flash around for 5 games and hes gone for 20.

Can anyone tell me how Wolski is?

Alot fu(king better than Mueller.

[canuckfan]

Originally Posted by ScottRasner

Can anyone tell me how Wolski is?

An older version of Mueller, perhaps?

This guy can score in bunches, then disappear for long stretches. But he's got some killer moves in the shootout, but he's been battling consistency issues since he came into the league.

[grits207]

Great trade for the Yotes.

[HordiBrusk29]

The knock on Mueller has always been his worth ethic, IMO. Even back with Everett the guy had excellent hands and plenty of pure skill. But he was invisible way too often for my liking. He never really had the heart or willingness to compete on a consistent basis.

That being said, if he is surrounded by skilled players that can get him the puck he can certainly produce points. Only time will tell...

[stevecanuck16]

Isn't Kevin Porter pretty highly regarded. I'm surprised he was thrown in here.

[lakingsfan19]

Wojtek Wolski - 62GP 17G 30A 47P second on the avs with scoring.

Peter Mueller - 54GP 4G 13A 17P -5

Win PHOENIX