Toronto Maple Leafs: Trade for Jake Muzzin brings immediate upgrade
The Toronto Maple Leafs made a big trade acquiring Jake Muzzin from the Los Angeles Kings, solving a big need on their blue line.
Acquiring Jake Muzzin from the Los Angeles Kings solves an immediate issue for the Toronto Maple Leafs as general manager Kyle Dubas gets his much-needed upgrade on the blue line.
Going to the Kings is Carl Grundstrom, Sean Durzi and the Leafs 2019 first-round pick which is not a small price to pay. Los Angeles needed to get younger and build for the future and this trade provides them with the assets to do so.
The good news for the Leafs is that they didn’t have to give up a top prospect like Timothy Liljegren or Rasmus Sandin to get the deal done. Another benefit is the cost certainty Muzzin brings as he is signed for $4 million next season which will help Dubas navigate through his contracts for next season.
In 50 games with the Woodstock Ont., native has recorded four goals and 17 assists for 21 points after scoring a career-high 42 points in 74 games last season. He is also a familiar player for Mike Babcock as the Leafs head coach had him on Team Canada during the 2016 World Cup of Hockey.
Don’t underestimate the importance of getting Muzzin a whole extra month before the deadline to adjust to new surroundings. That’s a big factor here. So little practice time in March. Told that things picked up “last few weeks” between Leafs and Kings on Muzzin
— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) January 29, 2019
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A big benefit Muzzin brings is that he is a capable option in the defensive zone as he had 57 per cent of his starts in the defensive zone. He also has a 50.5 CF% so you know he is capable of driving possession.
Also, don’t underestimate the playoff experience Muzzin brings as he won the Stanley Cup with LA in 2014. This also means Ron Hainsey and Nikita Zaitsev get a lighter load as they will be pushed down the depth chart.
Considering everything Muzzin brings to the table, the Leafs are getting an immediate upgrade and considering the depth on the wing, losing a prospect like Grundstrom for a player that can help now is worth the price.
Whether this is the last deal for the Leafs remains to be seen but seeing Dubas make a trade like this shows he is willing to make a push to contend now and still have the option for next season. It will also be interesting to see whether the Leafs GM will make another deal down the road.
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What do you think about the trade? Did the Leafs give up too much or will it be worth the price? Let us know in the comments below.