The Toronto Maple Leafs have announced that they have signed Jake Muzzin to a four-year contract extension worth $22.5 million. The contract carries him through the 2023-24 season and carries a cap hit of $5.625 per year.
Buzzing for four more years!
Jake Muzzin has signed a four-year extension. #LeafsForever
Details >> https://t.co/lIkeg622wr pic.twitter.com/3zyPXdHiDY
— Toronto Maple Leafs (@MapleLeafs) February 24, 2020
Jake Muzzin Extended by the Leafs
Muzzin was originally acquired by the Maple Leafs prior to last year’s trade deadline.
In 52 games this season, Muzzin has scored five goals and 17 assists for 22 points. He has also registered 40 penalty minutes.
Over his career split between the Leafs and the Los Angeles Kings, Muzzin has scored 61 goals and 190 assists for 251 points in 578 games.
Muzzin was originally drafted by the Kings in the fifth round, 141st overall in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft.
Leafs Lock-Up Another Important Piece of Their Defence Group
Locking up Muzzin is an extremely important move for the Maple Leafs moving forward. While the cap hit is a little higher than his current contract, it is still not a crippling number. This is extremely important given the Leafs cap situation.
The Leafs defence group has struggled, especially on the right side. Muzzin is a left-shot defender, however, having such a solid defender to guide young players like Rasmus Sandin, Timothy Liljegren and Travis Dermott moving forward is huge for the Leafs.
Muzzin’s offensive output won’t scream at you, however, he is capable of putting up points as he has reached the 40 point plateau three times over his career. However, it’s his defensive ability that is his claim to fame. Muzzin is a solid shut down player who plays a gritty in-your-face style of play, which is appreciated on a team that lacks toughness.
With Muzzin now locked up, it is time for the Leafs to focus on the right side and find him a solid partner that can fit into the top four. Liljegren may become that in the future. However, they need a stop-gap for the time being.
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