Per Denver Post:
The Avalanche this morning traded left winger Wojtek Wolski to the Phoenix Coyotes for forwards Peter Mueller and Kevin Porter.
Wolski, 24, had 47 points in 62 games for the Avs this season, but only two goals in his past 25 games. He is in the last year of a contract that was paying $2.8 million.
Mueller was the eighth pick of the NHL draft in 2006. He played two seasons in the U.S. National Team development program at Ann Arbor, then two years of major junior with the Everett (Wash.) Silvertips. He scored 22 goals his rookie season with the Coyotes in 2007-08.
But Mueller’s career has been in a tailspin since. This season, he has only four goals and 17 points in 54 games. Mueller, 21, is listed as a center, but can also play wing.
“Peter is a skilled young player who has a tremendous upside,” Avalanche general manager Greg Sherman said in a statement. “We feel he will be an important addition to our lineup.”
Porter, 23, a former fourth-round draft choice, has played in only four games this season for Phoenix. He has spent most of the season with the San Antonio Rampage of the American Hockey League, where he ranks third on the team with 40 points in 52 games.
Porter won the Hobey Baker Award as a senior at the University of Michigan in 2007-08.
“Kevin will add more depth up front,” Sherman said. “He spent some extended time in the NHL last season and we look forward to having him join our organization.”
Wolski, 24, likely will be remembered as a mercurial offensive player in his four-plus seasons with the Avalanche. Coaches often were frustrated at his lack of physical play, and his production on the power play. He has only four power-play goals in his past 150 games.
He also has been one of the NHL’s best shootout performers in recent years.
Wolski is expected to play Thursday night for Phoenix — when the Coyotes host the Avalanche. Mueller will be in the lineup for tonight’s game against Anaheim.
Mueller is in the last year of his contract, earning $850,000. He can become a restricted free agent at the end of the season.
“These two players fit into our philosophy and they both have the best years of their professional careers ahead of them,” Sherman said.
