The Toronto Maple Leafs have been in a funk prior to the break but will get some much-needed insurance with a key defender rejoining soon.
With the All-Star break wrapping up and NHL action set to resume, the Toronto Maple Leafs find themselves outside of a playoff spot. It’s not the first time this season it has occurred, but it still is a frustrating sight nonetheless.
In combination with the team getting rattled by injuries to just about everyone on the roster, a string of frustrating losses, plus the likes of the Florida Panthers and Tampa Bay Lighting getting hot and winning games, the Leafs have put themselves in a tough spot going down the stretch.
Fortunately for them, one of their most important players is inching closer to returning to the lineup. It was announced on Sunday that Jake Muzzin has been recalled from his conditioning loan with the Marlies.
The mere thought that Muzzin is nearing his arrival back into the fray is nothing but great no matter which way you put it. That’s because the Leafs really could use Muzzin’s service as the playoff push starts to intensify.
Defensive play-style is valuable
Prior to his injury on December 27 that kept him out for weeks, Muzzin was in the midst of a strong regular season and playing a vital role on the back end. His absence was really felt in the time he has been gone and having him back will most certainly help.
He posted 3 goals, 10 assists, and 13 points in 38 games while also being among the top Leafs in terms of hits and blocked shots. His underlying numbers were also strong, including a 53.88 CF%, a 53.15 FF%, a 53.74 SF%, a 52.19 xGF%, a 54.06 SCF%, and a 48.82 HDCF% at even strength.
Additionally, his play in his own end was effective both at 5v5 and on the penalty kill where he helped limit chances from along the wall and in the middle of the slot. To top it off, the Leafs were more dangerous in the offensive zone when he was on the ice compared to when he wasn’t.
Put it all together, and it is apparent that Muzzin has been playing a vital role for the Leafs and is now one of their most valuable pieces in the lineup. The extended absence really put into perspective just how important he is to this team.
Players clearly missed him
Taking everything into account, it’s evident that his teammates really benefited from his presence on the team. That includes the players he spent the most time with as defensive partners.
One of the most effective defensive pairings has been Muzzin and Justin Holl, which quickly became the Leafs shutdown duo. Among team defensive pairings with over 100 minutes of TOI at even strength, the two were the best in just about every one of the aforementioned underlying metrics.
Going even further, Holl’s numbers take a bit of a hit when he was not playing alongside Muzzin compared to when the two are together. This also applies to Tyson Barrie, who started the season with Muzzin as a defensive pairing. Both players clearly saw their play enhanced alongside the 30-year-old defender, which subsequently took a hit while he was gone.
That’s why his return is going to be a huge boost to the team, as these past few weeks proved his importance to the Leafs’ success. It’s not going to completely close the dam (Morgan Rielly remains out until March), but his arrival couldn’t have come at a better time.
All stats unless otherwise noted are from Hockey-Reference.com and Natural Stat Trick as of January 26th.
With the Toronto Maple Leafs faltering and division rivals passing them in the standings, Toronto will need all the help they can get if they want to clinch a playoff birth. Inserting Muzzin back into the lineup will make that pursuit all the more plausible.