Leafs showing that they are capable of thriving without Jake Muzzin
Jake Muzzin was injured following a collision with Clayton Keller when the Leafs faced off against Arizona on October 17th and has not stepped on the ice since as he recovers from what the team reported was a neck issue. Muzzin has seen specialists in California to help with treatment, but it does not appear he will be returning any time soon - possibly ever for the Leafs.
Since they have been without Muzzin, the Leafs are 5-2-3 and have been able to carve out a little extra ice time for Rasmus Sandin and Timothy Liljegren and have them play in larger roles. Both have had ups and downs and while Sandin is currently on the third pair (but playing well), Liljegren has stepped up immensely and is now skating alongside Morgan Reilly on the Leafs' top pairing. Additionally, Justin Holl and TJ Brodie as a pairing has looked surprisingly good, as Holl has a more defensive-minded partner to help him recover after the occasional mistake.
The Leafs do have some depth without Muzzin on the blueline still in Victor Mete and Jordie Benn as well. Having collected points in 8 of 10 games, the Leafs are showing that, while Muzzin was a very important piece for them, life without Muzz is also something that the Leafs can endure.
| POLL | ||
NOVEMBRE 11 | 175 ANSWERS Leafs showing that they are capable of thriving without Jake Muzzin Should the Leafs pursue an upgrade on defense if Muzzin is indeed done for the season? | ||
| Yes | 154 | 88 % |
| No, they're fine how they are | 21 | 12 % |
| List of polls | ||
