Vancouver Canucks sign prospect Ty Mueller to three-year entry-level contract

Selected in the fourth round at 105th overall, at the 2023 draft, the pick had initially raised some eyebrows. He was a 20-year-old double-overager, after all.

However, Mueller justified the pick with a solid draft-plus-one season, achieving career highs in both assists (15) and points (26).

The Cochrane, Alberta native enjoyed a particularly productive stretch in January, where he produced at over a point-per-game pace with nine points in eight games.

While his scoring pace tapered off towards the end of the season, he was considered an important piece to a Nebraska Omaha team which made it to the first round of the Frozen Four Championships. By season’s end, he finished third on his team with 26 points in 40 games, and second in plus/minus (plus-9).

In addition to his point production, Mueller served as Omaha’s top-line center for most of the season. He was heavily involved in the team’s face-off circle, ranking sixth in the NCHC Conference with 664 faceoffs and finishing 10th with a win percentage of .550.

Mueller’s strong year earned him his first Hobey Baker nomination.

His game is recognized as a jack-of-all-trades brand of hockey, capable of playing in all forward positions and special teams. He brings a relentless work ethic along with an ability to contribute to the scoresheet thanks to his soft hands and pinpoint release. While he’s not expected to be a high-producing forward at the NHL level, his energy and willingness to work on the forecheck provide hope for a bottom-six-type future.

He wraps up his NCAA career with 64 points across 98 games, split evenly between 31 goals and 33 assists.