Muller gets up quickly, becomes assistant with Blues

Peter Koutroumpis, Triangle Sports Network
Peter Koutroumpis, Triangle Sports Network
Peter Koutroumpis, Triangle Sports Network

RALEIGH, N.C. – It seems that former Carolina Hurricanes head coach Kirk Muller looked back to his playing days to realize that to play in the game you have to stay in the game.

Barely a week after being relieved of his duties with the Hurricanes by newly minted executive vice president and general manager Ron Francis, Muller signed a two-year deal as an assistant coach with the St. Louis Blues, as announced by their president of hockey operations and general manager Doug Armstrong on Tuesday.

“We are excited to add Kirk to our staff,” Armstrong said per the team’s press release.

“He was a Stanley Cup-winning player, and as a coach, has shown excellent communication skills and the ability to relate to both young and veteran players.”

While Francis continues the search for a new coach in Carolina, the team’s old one will now work with one of his former coaches as a player, Ken Hitchcock.

Muller joins Hitchcock’s staff that includes associate head coach Brad Shaw and assistant coach Ray Bennett, both of whom have been with the Blues since 2006.

Hired by Carolina on Nov. 28, 2011, Muller finished his tenure leading the Hurricanes to an 80-80-27 record with no postseason appearances.

Francis stated during his media availability following relieving Muller of his duties that he would idealy like to have a new coach hired in time for the upcoming 2014 NHL Entry Draft which takes place June 27-28 in Philadelphia, Pa.