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Toronto Maple Leafs Jake Muzzin Update and Replacement Options

By Jeremy Ridgewell

May 2, 2022; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Jake Muzzin (8) reacts after his goal scored against the Tampa Bay Lightning during the first period of game one of the first round of the 2022 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
May 2, 2022; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Jake Muzzin (8) reacts after his goal scored against the Tampa Bay Lightning during the first period of game one of the first round of the 2022 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Jake Muzzin met with a specialist in Los Angeles last week. The specialist examined Muzzin’s head and neck area. There is a concern about what the next hit could do if he returns to play.

Muzzin is currently on long-term injured reserve (LTIR) for an undisclosed amount of time. It is beginning to look more and more like Muzzin may never play hockey again. He is in the third year of his current four-year contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs. The deal has a salary cap hit of $5.625 million. (Salary cap info from capfriendly.com)

Muzzin will likely remain on LTIR for the remainder of this season. Should he decide during the summer to retire, his $5.625 million cap hit will get removed from Toronto’s salary cap for the 2023-24 season. I would hate to see his career cut short due to injury, but he has to do what is best for his health. There is no point in risking the rest of your life to play a sport.

As sad as it would be to see Muzzin have to retire, it could be a blessing in disguise for the Maple Leafs. The NHL expects the salary cap to rise by $4 million next season from the current $82.5 million. Toronto general manager Kyle Dubas, along with other GMs, is hoping that is the case. Adding even more available cap space from a Muzzin retirement would greatly help Toronto’s cap situation.

Possible Trade Targets for the Toronto Maple Leafs

It is no secret that the Toronto Maple Leafs could use some help on defense. Having Muzzin on LTIR and Justin Holl not playing very well, it might be time for a trade. James Mirtle recently mentioned a few names in his article for The Athletic.

One of the first defensemen that Mirtle mentions is John Klingberg.

With the Anaheim Ducks being at the bottom of the NHL standings, Klingberg might become available as a rental for this season. The problem with Klingberg is his $7 million contract and his No-Trade Clause. He would improve the puck-moving issues on Toronto’s right side, but I don’t see this deal happening without multiple moving pieces.

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Klingberg certainly would be an interesting pick up, and wouldn’t carry the risks associated with Erik Karlsson, who is having a great year so far and is known to be available.  The Leafs are getting Liljegren back, so they’ll likely wait to make a move, as he will push Justin Holl lower in the lineup and perhaps make it easier for him to be effective.

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