Kirk Muller’s arrival in Toronto drew a media mob to the Maple Leafs’ morning skate Wednesday and this comment from Blackhawks coach Craig Hartsburg: “They’re a better team today than they were two days ago, and they didn’t give anything out of their lineup to get him.”
The Maple Leafs gave up backup goalie Damian Rhodes and prospect Ken Belanger to land Muller in a three-way swap involving the New York Islanders and Ottawa Senators.
Maple Leafs coach Pat Burns, who coached Muller when they were both with Montreal, was undecided on where he ultimately would play the soon-to-be 30-year-old veteran.
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“He can play all the positions,” Burns said. “The best year he had was when he scored 36 goals in Montreal and played left wing.
“He’s not a 50-goal scorer, but he’s definitely going to help us. He’s a character-type guy.”
“I’m a better center,” Muller said, “but I can adapt to the wing.”
Muller, obviously relieved to be gone from Long Island, where he had four goals and seven points in 15 games before refusing to play anymore for the Islanders, will wear No. 21. One reason: Hawks General Manager Bob Pulford wore it when he played with the Leafs.
Smith back update: Hartsburg thinks there’s a good chance Steve Smith, who has missed much of the season with a bad back, will be in the lineup for Saturday’s afternoon game against the Detroit Red Wings. Smith skated for the third straight day Wednesday in the United Center.
Hartsburg all but ruled out the possibility that Smith could play Thursday night in Chicago against San Jose.
“We have to get him back practicing with us and give him a chance to get back his timing,” Hartsburg said.