Will Jake Muzzin Still Be with the Toronto Maple Leafs Next Season?

Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman, Jake Muzzin, could be on the move this offseason despite the no-trade clause on his $5.625 million contract.

There have been recent suggestions the Toronto Maple Leafs are looking to part ways with the 33 year-old defenseman who suffered two concussions this season.  To be fair, the Muzzin talk is really  less of a “rumour” and more of a  “conjecture based on common sense” situation.

This is because of the concussions, his age, and the log jam on the Toronto Maple Leafs blueline particularly on the left side.  Morgan Rielly, Mark Giordano, Rasmus Sandin, T.J. Brodie and Jake Muzzin are all left-handed defensemen.

The Toronto Maple Leafs also have Justin Holl under contract and Timothy Liljegren and Sandin are very likely to be re-signed as young up-and-coming RFA’s.  That gives them seven defenseman not including pending UFA Ilya Lyubushkin and rumours/common sense are suggesting that the Leafs may re-sign Lyubushkin as well.

Other circumstances such as the Leafs apparent need to spend on goaltending, and the probability of giving their youngsters Sandin and Liljegren more much deserved icetime, has added wood to the fire of Muzzin trade speculation. (some info from CapFriendly)

How can the Toronto Maple Leafs move Jake Muzzin?

Though Jake Muzzin currently has a full no-trade clause, there are still many ways the Leafs could move him.  Players with a no-trade clause can still be placed on waivers and bought out, but the more likely scenario would be for Muzzin to willingly waive his no-trade clause.

Muzzin loves playing with the Toronto Maple Leafs.  He grew up a Leafs fans in Woodstock, Ontario.  I’m sure he wants to remain a Leaf, but at the same time, he’d probably rather keep his current contract and/or have a say in where he’s trade rather than be claimed on waivers or bought out.

One form of speculation is that Muzzin may waive his no-trade clause to return to the Los Angeles Kings.  Muzzin is obviously familiar with the city and won a Stanley Cup with the team.  I’m not sure if his wife is from there, but the two became engaged and married while Muzzin was a member of the Kings.  Either way, I’m sure they both have friends in L.A.

Muzzin’s deal is front end loaded and full of signing bonuses which makes it a terrible contract to try to buyout, but it makes it easier for a trading partner trying to save “actual dollars.”  If Muzzin were to be traded after July 1st, the Leafs would pay him a $2 million signing bonus and his new team would only be on the hook for $6 million over two seasons.

If the Toronto Maple Leafs do decide to keep Jake Muzzin for at least one more season, his full no-trade clause becomes a 10-team no-trade list on July 1st, 2023.