Toronto Maple Leafs Sign Jake Muzzin, Make Small (but Brilliant) Trade

As the trade deadline cameto a close, the Toronto Maple Leafs announced that they had signed Jake Muzzin to a contract extension.

Despite a few minor league trades, the Toronto Maple Leafs have essentially the same team they started the season with.

They have re-acquired Calle Rosen from the Avs and, more importantly, re-signed Jake Muzzin to a four-year contract extension with an AAV of $5.625 million.

The Toronto Maple Leafs acquired Muzzin last year from the Los Angeles Kings in exchange for prospects Carl Grundstrom,  Sean Durzito and the Leafs first-round pick in the 2019 NHL Entry Draft.

Toronto Maple Leafs and Jake Muzzin

As Morgan Rielly and Cody Ceci remain sidelined, the Leafs D-core is growing thin.

Muzzin’s contract contains a no-movement clause and is reportedto be heavily front loaded. With most of the money being paid in signing bonus form.

This is a smart way for the Leafs to flex their financial muscle, as it allows them to potentially trade Muzzin down the line if he declines, as another team would only have to absorb his cap hit, and not very much actual money.

For a blue liner that consistently logs more than 20 minutes of ice time, this contract seems like a reasonable deal for the veteran.

Although Muzzin is closer to retirement age than most of the Leafs core, his deal bleeds into the end of Rasmus Sandin and Timothy Liljegren’s entry level contracts. For a short term deal, Muzzin helps out a money tight team immensely, especially since the Leafs are projected to spent around $7.36M on three defensemen over that time (not including Justin Holl’s new contract which kicks in next season).

Muzzin came exactly as advertised. Upon his arrival in Toronto, he was portrayed as a penalty killing, tough and mobile D-man who can it in to the Toronto Maple Leafs puck moving philosphy while also being a strong defender.

Muzzin is also a team leader. For example, after the Leafs poor showing against the Penguins, Muzzin stepped up his game and recorded a goal and two assists in the 4–0 win.

He is a leader on the ice and in the locker room, and has experience going all the way through the playoffs. This is valuable experience that can be useful for the Toronto Maple Leafs as they push towards the Cup.

Overall, I am happy with the contract and think Leaf fans should be as well.

Additionally, the Leafs made two small moves near the end of the day as well.  They traded Jordan Schmaltz to the Islanders for Matt Lorito in an AHL deal.  They also briefly acquired Robin Lehner from Chicago for Martin Dzierkals, retained a portion of his remaining salary, then flipped him to Vegas for a 5th round pick.

As of the writing of this post, the Leafs hold 10 selections in the 2020 NHL Draft and have a good core and farm team for depth.