Canucks Prospect Ty Mueller Excited To Make The Jump To The AHL This Season
Ty Mueller signed his entry-level contract with the Vancouver Canucks in March after finishing his NCAA with the University of Nebraska-Omaha.
Photo by Rubyia Ghumman- THN - Canucks Prospect Ty Mueller Excited To Make The Jump To The AHL This SeasonAfter finishing his NCAA career at the University of Nebraska-Omaha, Ty Mueller is ready to make the jump to the pro level. A fourth-round pick from 2023, Mueller had 26 points in 40 games last year while also being nominated for the Hobey Baker. The Hockey News was able to catch up with the 21-year-old forward at Vancouver Canucks Development Camp to discuss his season, the Canucks organization as well as his decision to sign his ELC.
Mueller signed his ELC with Vancouver on March 30, 2024. After playing for three years at the University of Nebraska-Omaha, Mueller decided that leaving the NCAA and turning pro was the best option. As Mueller explains, it was an exciting day and one that he won't soon forget.
"That was super exciting," said Mueller. "It's kind of like another step. You get drafted first, and then you want to sign that contract, and when they finally call and say that's another stepping stone. At the same time, it's like that's all it is; it's a stepping stone. You're not where you want to be. I want to play in the NHL; lots of guys here do, so it's another step in the right direction, but by no means is the work done."
Leaving the University of Nebraska-Omaha was not an easy decision for Mueller. He could have easily gone back to school for another and tried to improve his statistics while getting another shot at a National Championship. While he did consider staying in the NCAA, Mueller felt making the jump to the AHL next season would be the best option for his development.
"It wasn't an easy decision. I loved it in Omaha, and it was great to be there. From what I've learned from Omaha and Dev Camps, I thought I was ready for the next step. I thought it would help my development further if I were able to keep learning from these guys here, and I thought that was the best decision."
While Mueller's time with the organization hasn't been long, he has attended two Development Camps. Last year, he took every opportunity to learn from the coaching staff on how to improve his overall game. Based on the results, it is clear Mueller was able to use the lessons he learned as he had his best season to date in the NCAA.
"I learned a lot, especially at Development Camp last year. I think being able to come to that and just take some of the tips Yogi (Svejkovsky), Sammy (Mikael Samuelsson) and the Sedins gave me and taking that into my season. Making sure I'd kind of focus on that and use it to my advantage, I think, was big for me. I tried to round put my whole game. I want to get better at everything. I want to be a guy who can do everything, play in all situations, and be trusted by coaches."
For this coming season, Mueller understands the work isn't done and is ready to continue to improve his game. He has already identified some areas he needs to improve this summer and is looking at ways to take his game to the next level. As Mueller explains, ensuring he is in shape is key, especially when playing against bigger and stronger competition.
"I think the biggest thing for me is just physicality and making sure I'm in the best possible shape I can be all the time. Playing 20 minutes a night in Omaha isn't easy. You need to be in good shape for that. That's even more important when playing against bigger, heavier bodies and at the pro level. So I think that's kind of the biggest thing I've been trying to focus on."
Mueller describes himself as a two-way forward who can have an impact at both ends of the ice. Over the last year, he proved he could be a high-end two-player as he was successful in puck battles, creating turnovers and in the transition game. When asked who some of the players he looks up to, Mueller picked a couple of Stanley Cup champions and one of the top BC-born players in the NHL.
"Growing up, there's a lot of two-way guys. I think my game is two-way. I need to be good at both ends and two-way guys like Bergeron or Nugent-Hopkins. Lately, it's been Barkov. Watching what he can do off the puck and on the puck is super impressive. It's something that I want to be able to do."
Playing in a Canadian market is not easy, but Mueller is excited about the challenge. Originally from Cochrane, Alberta, Mueller played in the AJHL before making the jump to the NCAA. Ultimately, Mueller understands the pressure that comes from putting on a Canucks jersey and is looking forward to experiencing the atmosphere at Rogers Arena.
I grew up in Canada and have been a hockey fan all my life. At the start of camp, they showed us a video of the playoff run and the fans and how loud it was in the building. I think it just gives you another motivation and the desire to be part of something that special. I think it's huge for us."
While it may take some time, Mueller has the skills needed to have a successful rookie season in the AHL. Working with new Abbotsford Canucks head coach Manny Malhotra at this year's Development Camp should give him a leg up heading into the season, as he knows what the standard is going to be in Abbotsford this year. If Mueller has proven anything so far in his career, it is that he is ready for whatever challenge awaits him and willing to do whatever it takes to be successful.
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