Sharks' Mueller motivated by team's trust of younger players

With San Jose Sharks general manager Doug Wilson committed to a rebuild focusing on the supplementation of existing talent with the emergence of young players currently in their system, there exists a high level of healthy motivation for rookies with a realistic chance at cracking the team's lineup in 2014.

"When Doug Wilson says he trusts in younger players and he wants to build on our age group, that gives you a lot of motivation and confidence that you really have a shot to make the team," 19-year-old defenseman Mirco Mueller told NHL.com during training camp.

Mueller, who notched six goals and 27 points in 60 games with the WHL's Everett Silvertips, and another two points during a nine game stint with the Sharks' AHL affiliate in Worcester, has been focusing on adding strength to is 6-foot-3 frame.

"He's obviously physically more mature," Sharks head coach Todd McLellan said. "He's put some weight on; he's put some muscle on his body. His presence is greater now than it was last year. He obviously feels a little more comfortable around the coaches and his teammates."

With only six defensemen currently signed to one-way contracts with the Sharks, Mueller, the 18th overall pick in the 2013 draft, has a chance to land a spot on the big club this upcoming season.

[H/T: ProHockeyTalk]