Kirk Muller

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Lore & Background

Muller started his junior career with the Kingston Canadians of the Ontario Hockey League, but his most successful junior seasons were with the Guelph Platers. He played in the 1984 Winter Olympics after a dispute between the Platers and the Canadian Olympic Team was resolved. He was drafted second overall by the New Jersey Devils in the 1984 NHL entry draft. After a contract dispute, he was traded to the Montreal Canadiens in 1991. He helped the Canadiens win the Stanley Cup in 1993. He was later traded to the New York Islanders, then to the Toronto Maple Leafs, then to the Florida Panthers, and finally signed with the Dallas Stars, where he retired after the 2002–03 season. He played in the NHL All-Star Game six times.

In Their Own Story

The arena hummed with tension as the third period ticked down in Game Six. Muller skated through the neutral zone, eyes locked on the slot, breathing heavy against the cold rink air. He knew this was it—the moment that could define a franchise's entire era. A pass came off the boards, sharp and true. He took one touch, dekered past a defender, and released a wrist shot that beat the goalie high glove side. The roar of the crowd washed over him as he turned to skate back toward the bench.

Reader's Guide

Muller began his coaching career with the Queen's University Golden Gaels. He served as assistant coach for Team Canada at the 2005 Lotto Cup Tournament and at the 2006 Under-18 World Championship. He was an assistant coach for the Montreal Canadiens from 2006 to 2011. He was head coach of the Carolina Hurricanes from 2011 to 2014. He was an assistant coach for the St. Louis Blues in 2014. He was an associate coach for the Canadiens from 2016 to 2021. He was an associate coach for the Calgary Flames in 2021. He was an assistant coach for the Washington Capitals from 2023 to 2026.

Did You Know?

• Muller holds New Jersey Devils franchise records for points in a single game (6) and assists in a single game (5).
• He was drafted second overall in the 1984 NHL entry draft, behind Mario Lemieux.
• Muller played in the 1984 Winter Olympics before his NHL career began.