When you look at where Milwaukee Admirals forward Chris Mueller’s career is now, it’s hard to believe he was a very last minute addition to the team in 2009.

After playing for the Lake Erie Monsters nearly the entire season, the former Michigan State standout didn’t have a contract heading into the 2009-2010 season. The Monsters were partnered in the ECHL with the Johnstown Chiefs. Mueller played three games with the Chiefs for then-head coach Ian Herbers. When Milwaukee called the day before training camp was to begin, Herbers, who was in his first season as a Milwaukee assistant coach, was one of the reasons.

Playing mostly right wing, Mueller had a solid first season with the Admirals scoring 13 goals and 27 points.

But when he moved to center, his natural position, he became one of Milwaukee’s great goal scorers.

“What makes Chris great is competitiveness and his willingness to do the dirty things that are needed to win. He wants to score goals, he goes to the tough areas to score them, and he has the unique ability to convert once he gets there,” said Admirals Head Coach Dean Evason. “Plus he has great hands, so strips pucks from players, especially on the penalty kill, and that gives him the opportunity to get a lot of breakaways.”

Mueller sparkled for the Admirals in the 2010-2011 season and ended up signing his first NHL deal with the Nashville Predators Dec. 27, 2010. He made his NHL debut against Dallas the next day.

Blessed with great hands and quick feet, Mueller is one of only three Admirals to post a 30-goal season since the team joined the AHL in 2001, when he scored 32 last year. He also excels in the defensive zone, playing a key role in the team’s penalty kill unit and taking crucial face-offs late in games.

Still active with the Admirals, Mueller continues to ascend the career-lists for the team. He ranks behind only Darren Haydar in career goals since the team joined the AHL. He is also in the top-10 in points and games played.