Chris Johnston reveals where the Leafs are at with Jake Muzzin
It was a down season for the most part for Jake Muzzin, battling numerous injuries including two concussions in the middle of the regular season. He is signed for another 2 years with a cap hit of $5.625 million per season. With the Leafs up against the cap, moving him would help relieve some cap constraints in a big way.
However, moving Muzzin would also create a very big hole in the Leafs lineup. He paired well with T.J. Brodie once they were put together and has been a mainstay in the Leafs top 4, playing big minutes at 5 on 5 and on the penalty kill. Not only does he play big minutes, he plays hard minutes, being one of the Leafs' most physical players. He has been that way throughout his career and although he can still play at a high level, all the physicality over the years appears to have taken a toll on his body.
As Chris Johnston reported on the Steve Dangle podcast today, the Leafs are at a crossroads with Muzzin. They absolutely love him and management sees him as a big part of their core. He is a conscience in the room and is loved by everyone. While Johnston said it isn't 100% that he's staying, it is highly likely that he will. The Leafs don't have anyone in their system that can play like him and it would cost way too much to bring someone of similar playing style into the lineup. It will be an interesting off-season for Dubas and Co, and we know the Leafs will have to make a few trades, but I would be shocked if Muzzin is involved in any of them.
| POLL | ||
MAI 19 | 727 ANSWERS Chris Johnston reveals where the Leafs are at with Jake Muzzin Should the Leafs trade Muzzin this summer or bring him back for another year? | ||
| Bring him back! | 274 | 37.7 % |
| Trade him | 330 | 45.4 % |
| I wouldn't be surprised to see him on LTIR | 123 | 16.9 % |
| List of polls | ||
