Announcement from Leafs GM Brad Treliving confirms Leafs defenseman's playing career is over

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Mike Armenti
October 9, 2023 (12:59)

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When the Leafs completed a trade with the Los Angeles Kings back in 2019 to bring in veteran defenseman and Stanley Cup winner Jake Muzzin, the move was unanimously celebrated in Toronto, as Muzzin provided a huge boost for a lackluster D corps.

Unfortunately for he and the Leafs, much of his tenure in Toronto was marred by injuries, including a pair of concussions in 2021-22 and a debilitating neck injury in 2022-23 that ultimately ended his career. However, an announcement by the Maple Leafs today confirms that the 34-year-old will get a head start on his post playing career. Per the Leafs, Muzzin has been hired as a pro scout, effective immediately.

It's somewhat surprising that Muzzin will be taking on a new role with the Leafs prior to announcing his retirement from the NHL. He has 1 year remaining on his current deal, which carries a $5.625M cap hit, which will either come off the books if he retires, or land on LTIR, providing some cap relief to the Buds for the 2023-24 season.

Muzzin was originally drafted by the Pittsburgh Penguins with the 141st overall pick (5th round) in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft. He has amassed 294 career points across 683 career regular season NHL games, adding 28 points in 82 playoff games. All the best to Jake and his family in this next chapter of their lives.