The Toronto Maple Leafs have announced that defenseman, Jake Muzzin, will be out of the line up indefinitely due to a cervical spine injury, and that he will be re-evaluated in February.
Muzzin has had some major injuries over the past few seasons including two concussions last season. The 33 year-old has one year remaining on his $5.625 million contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs after this season.
Is this it for Jake Muzzin? His career was in question after the concussions last season and it seems like his health has taken a dramatic turn for the worse.
There is more to life than hockey. Muzzin’s injuries are serious, and he has more than just his future to think about, he has a young family to think about as well.
While the Toronto Maple Leafs could obviously use his presence and play, at this point our only hope for Muzzin is that he leads a high quality life after hockey.
Jake Muzzin Injury History
Here’s a run down of Jake Muzzin’s injury history (some info from TSN.ca):
Neck (Cervical Spine) – October 19, 2022 (Toronto Maple Leafs)
Muzzin’s injury was first announced as a neck injury but is now revealed to be more specifically a cervical spine injury.
Undisclosed (Cervical Spine) – April 15, 2022 (Toronto Maple Leafs)
Muzzin missed 6 games due to an undisclosed injury and returned to the line up just in time for the playoffs. Later, it was revealed that this was his second cervical spine injury. He only played in 47 games during the 2021-22 season.
Concussion – February 22, 2022 (Toronto Maple Leafs)
Muzzin missed 20 games after his second concussion of 2022. He only played 7 games between concussions.
Concussion – January 15, 2022 (Toronto Maple Leafs)
Muzzin missed 7 games after his first concussion of 2022.
Lower Body – May 29, 2021 (Toronto Maple Leafs)
Muzzin missed game seven of the Leafs first round series against the Montreal Canadiens. The Toronto Maple Leafs were eliminated.
Face – February 2, 2021 (Toronto Maple Leafs)
Muzzin missed 2 games after a facial injury.
Undisclosed (Cervical Spine) – August 4, 2020 (Toronto Maple Leafs)
Muzzin had an undisclosed injury during game two of the preliminary play-off round in the bubble against the Columbus Blue Jackets. It was later revealed to be his first cervical spine injury. He would miss the final 3 games of the series and the Leafs would be eliminated.
Broken Hand – February 26, 2020 (Toronto Maple Leafs)
Muzzin missed the last 6 games of the regular season after breaking his hand. The NHL season was cut short due to Covid-19. The playoffs resumed in August.
Lower Body (Broken Foot) – January 12, 2020 (Toronto Maple Leafs)
Muzzin missed 10 games with a broken foot.
Illness – April 1, 2019 (Toronto Maple Leafs)
Muzzin missed the last 3 regular season games with an illness but returned for the Toronto Maple Leafs 7 game first round playoff season against the Boston Bruins.
Upper-Body March 27, 2018 (Los Angeles Kings)
Muzzin missed the last 5 regular season games and the first two playoff games while playing with the Los Angeles King.
Undisclosed – January 6, 2018 (Los Angeles Kings)
Muzzin missed 3 games with an undisclosed injury.
Upper Body – October 8, 2014 (Los Angeles Kings)
Muzzin missed 6 games with an upper body injury.
Undisclosed – June 2, 2013 (Los Angeles Kings)
Muzzin missed one playoff game during the Conference Finals against the Chicago Blackhawks with an undisclosed injury.
Whether Jake Muzzin returns to the Toronto Maple Leafs or not, I wish him a safe and speedy recovery. He has been a big part the team and hopefully his future is bright whether it be on the ice or with his family.