Massive Jake Muzzin update!
Some massive news coming from the Leafs' morning skate in Tampa Bay, as Leafs head coach Sheldon Keefe has finally revealed a possible return date for injured defenseman Jake Muzzin.
Muzzin, who has been sidelined since February 21st with a concussion, has been working hard behind the scenes to recover from his second concussion of the season. For obvious reasons, the Leafs were in no way, shape or form going to rush him back. That said, as GM Kyle Dubas confirmed before the deadline, they were not going to hold him back either.
Muzzin has been skating for a few weeks, though much of those were solo skates as he worked his way back. When Muzzin was finally ready to rejoin the team, he did so wearing a red non-contact sweater, skating as an extra with the team. Muzzin has since shed the no-contact red for a regular practice jersey, and while we knew he was close, we did not know how close.
On Monday, Keefe stated that Muzzin was "likely" to return against the Florida Panthers on Tuesday night. The Leafs have a tall task ahead in a Monday night road matchup with the Tampa Bay Lightning before they'll travel to Sunrise to take on the Panthers.
These are two very big games for the Buds, so getting Muzzin back during this road trip will be enormous for Sheldon Keefe and the surging Leafs. These divisional games take on a new meaning with how close the race is at the top of the Atlantic Division. None of Florida, Toronto, Tampa and Boston seem to be losing any ground on one another. If the Leafs can string together a pair of road wins in Florida, it could have MASSIVE playoff implications and give them a better chance of beginning the playoffs with home ice advantage in round one.
The Panthers currently lead the way with 102 points through 69 games, while each of Toronto, Tampa and Boston have played 68 games, boasting 93, 93 and 92 points, respectively.
Muzzin has appeared in just 41 games for the Leafs this season, amassing 2 goals and 12 points over that span. Hopefully the Woodstock, ON native can find a way to stay healthy down the stretch and through the postseason.
