Jake Muzzin
Age: 30
Role: Top Pairing Defenseman
Last Season: Muzzin was acquired from the LA Kings in January in a pre-deadline move that has proven to be an excellent trade. The Leafs get two playoff runs with Jake Muzzin, at a massively team-friendly $4.5 million cap-hit, and it didn’t cost them any of their five best prospects.
To make the trade even better, Muzzin was outstanding in Toronto posting a ridiculous 54% possession rating. Muzzin also posted 53% shots, 55% scoring chances, and 60% goals.
The Leafs were nearly unstoppable with him on the ice, which makes sense because he’s been one of the NHL’s best play-driving defenseman for nearly a decade now.
Expectations: One of the NHL’s most dependable and consistantly good defenseman will patrol one of the Leafs top pairings this year. Whether partnered with Rielly, Dermott or a mysteriously appearing Jake Gardiner, Muzzin can be depended on to play smart hockey and make his teammates better.
What he Needs to Meet Expectations: Expect Muzzin to be one of the unsung heroes of this extremely good Toronto Maple Leafs team. If he is healthy, he’ll be close to great.