Maple Leafs can count on defensive boost when play resumes

The NHL season has been paused since March 12 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the league is currently looking at different scenarios to finish the campaign and crown a Stanley Cup champion this summer. 

While this all remains unclear at the moment, something is set in stone for the Toronto Maple Leafs: they will be able to count on a great defensive boost once play resumes. 

Veteran blue liner Jake Muzzin revealed to TSN’s Kristen Shilton on Tuesday that he’s recovered from his broken hand and will be ready to go when action resumes. 

“Should be ready to go when called upon.”

It was a huge blow for the Maple Leafs when Muzzin got sidelined back in February, but the suspension of the season has allowed him to rest and recover and get ready for a playoff push. 

His captain John Tavares has recently accepted a role on the NHL’s Return to Play Committee, joining high-ranking officials from the NHL and NHLPA in discussing potential scenarios for resuming play. 

It remains to be seen what will be decided to see if the Leafs can count on Muzzin on the back end.