Blues add Muller as assistant coach

Former coach of Carolina who played under Hitchcock, replaces Gary Agnew

By LOU KORAC
ST. LOUIS -- Another familiar face will lend a helping hand to coach Ken Hitchcock when the puck drops for the 2014-15 season.

The Blues have hired Kirk Muller, a former Carolina Hurricanes head coach, as an assistant coach to Hitchcock's staff. Terms were not disclosed but TSN's Darren Dreger reported that Muller received a two-year contract.

Kirk Muller

Muller, 48, played for Hitchcock (1999-2002) when the Blues' coach was guiding the Dallas Stars. He essentially replaces Gary Agnew, whose contract was not renewed along with goalie coach Corey Hirsch. The Blues are still  in the market for a goalie coach.

Muller joins the Blues after serving the past three seasons as coach of the Hurricanes, where he was 80-80-27. Before joining Carolina, Muller was an assistant coach with the Montreal Canadiens for five seasons (2006-11).  

While with Montreal, he helped lead the Canadiens to four consecutive playoff appearances, including 2010 when the club reached the Eastern Conference Final for the first time since 1993.

"We are excited to add Kirk to our staff," Blues general manager Doug Armstrong said in a statement. "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."

During his playing career, Muller spent 19 seasons (1984-2003) playing for the New Jersey Devils, Canadiens, New York Islanders, Toronto Maple Leafs, Florida  Panthers and Stars. He appeared in 1,349 regular season games and finished his career with 959 points (357 goals, 602 assists). Muller was captain of the Devils (1989-91) and Canadiens (1994-95). 

Muller also played in 127 postseason games, posting 69 points (33 goals, 36 assists), including the Stanley Cup-clinching goal for Montreal in the 1993. He's a six-time All-Star and five-time 30-goal scorer.