no, it isn't. Why do you think they are traded like candy every year?
the probability of a player picked ~50th in the draft becoming even an above average NHL player are extremely slim. I know this is HF boards, but draft picks are always supremely overrated around these parts.
Even if all Mueller becomes is a 3rd pairing DMan, that trade is a win.
1. Do you want me to put together a list of guys who are a s***load better than Mueller that have been drafted in the second round the past few years? Especially with Castron at the helm, it's even more valuable than other teams with below average scouting departments. It is different when you are trading a 2nd to add a player at the trade deadline.
2. Its pretty slim I agree, but I still wouldn't give up that chance so that we can acquire a guy like Mueller who seems destined to be a career bottom pairing D. You could sign those every single summer for nothing but cap space. Or draft them in the 4th and 5th rounds.
3. No, its not a win. Because I think it is better to have the chance at drafting a player who has a 5% chance to turn out to be elite or a superstar in the 2nd round, than getting a bottom pairing D. Bottom pairing D are so easy to sign in offseason. With a 2nd round pick, sure if you get a bottom pairing D its okay, but thats not what you're hoping for when you draft a player.
Stop defending every single move Shero has ever made. He has literally made unbelievablely great trades as Devils GM. However the Mueller deal was not a good trade. At least for now...