New Jersey Devils defenceman Mirco Mueller was taken off the ice on a stretcher after crashing head-first into the end boards during a game with the Calgary Flames on Wednesday. Mueller looked to be unconscious, but did give a thumbs up when taken off the ice.
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Mirco Muller Injured
The 23-year-old was was giving chase to a puck early in the third period when he crashed into the boards. Flames forward Michael Frolik was close behind Mueller and fell onto Mueller and both went into the boards as well. Mueller took most of the impact into the end boards.
Mueller has scored a goal and nine assists for 10 points in 46 games this season. The Swiss forward also has 17 penalty minutes. His possession numbers are 48.8 percent Corsi and a relative Corsi of 2.0.
The Winterthur, Switzerland native has played for the San Jose Sharks and the New Jersey Devils in his five-year NHL career. He has three goals and 17 assists for 20 career points in 128 career games. San Jose originally drafted Mueller in the first round with the 18th overall pick of the 2013 NHL Draft.
Devils coach John Hynes said Mueller was sitting up and responsive after being taken off the ice, and he was taken to University Hospital from the arena, where the Devils said he was alert and oriented with full movement and feeling in his extremities.
What This Means for the Future
The best sign is that Mueller was up and alert at the hospital. The fall into the boards looked nasty and there were a few nervous moments.
New Jersey will likely offer further update’s on the young defender’s status as soon as it receives them.
NEWARK, NEW JERSEY – FEBRUARY 25: Mirco Mueller #25 of the New Jersey Devils in action against the Montreal Canadiens during their game at Prudential Center on February 25, 2019 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
