When Leafs General manager Kyle Dubas traded for Jake Muzzin back in 2019 he felt that he picked up the defenseman his team sorely lacked. Muzzin brought a physical element and size with that Western Conference edge to the Leafs' defence corps that was weak and inferior against Eastern Conference foes.
As time wore on though, Muzzin's health began to deteriorate with age and especially his style of play. The 34-year-old defenseman had high hopes this season that he had avoided any further issues with his health, however, that was not the case as he was only able to play four games and has been out since.
This news has not come as a surprise to the fanbase as many were expecting them to shut down Muzzins' season. This official change has now given Dubas another $4.4 million to work with at the trade deadline in which I believe he will acquire another defenceman or two to help shore up the Leafs' defence corps going into the playoffs.
Names that have been circulating the team are Luke Schenn, Vladislav Gavrinkov and Jake McCabe. Muzzin will be evaluated come next September to see if he can play again. My gut feeling tells me, that his career may be over.
