5 Players Who’ve Played Their Last Games With New Jersey Devils

Mirco Mueller

Mirco Mueller may go down as the worst move of the Ray Shero tenure. He sent a 2nd and 4th-round pick in the 2017 NHL Draft for Mueller and a 5th. It looked like Shero was banking on the upside of a defenseman that was once good enough to go in the 1st round, but he had never shown NHL potential with the San Jose Sharks.

He spent the last two seasons with the Devils, and struggled to stay healthy for the most part. That likely had a lot to do with his inconsistency on the ice. It’s really hard to form chemistry with linemates when it’s hard to stay on the ice.

Mueller was limited to just 28 games last season, then missed close to 30 games this year with multiple injuries. He was given every chance to succeed with the Devils, it just never seemed to work out.

Mueller is set to become a restricted free agent in the offseason. To guarantee his rights, Shero needs to give Mueller a qualifying offer. Even if Shero gives Mueller an offer, that doesn’t necessarily mean he’s coming back. Mueller has little value, but he does have value. If Shero can get a team to take a chance on him for a 6th-round pick, then that’s better than nothing.

Either way, with Ty Smith and Jeremy Davies likely on the roster ready to contribute, it’s hard to believe there will be room for Mueller next season. It was an interesting ride, and Mueller will get another chance elsewhere, but his time with New Jersey is likely over.