The update on Jake Muzzin is not the one you want to hear

With the trade deadline approaching, the Toronto Maple Leafs would love to make an addition on the blue line and some fans were hoping it could come in the return of Jake Muzzin.

The Maple Leafs’ defenseman has been dealing with a very serious injury, out since October, after suffering some form of a cervical spine injury. This was the second time his career that he damaged his neck.

Last night on Insider Trading on TSN, Chris Johnston offered the latest update on Muzzin and the likelihood of him playing again for the Leafs or even hockey again.

“Well, at this point, it doesn’t sound like there’s really been any developments. Jake Muzzin has remained ever present around the Leafs; going on the road with them being behind the scenes with [the] team. But in terms of moving towards returning to play, there’s nothing happening there. And that’s newsy in itself because the Leafs need to have clarity on his injury status when it comes to long term-injured reserve prior to the trade deadline. Knowing for sure that he couldn’t return this year in order to use that cap space, perhaps in acquiring someone at the deadline. It sounds as though some clarity there may be coming in [the] not too distant future. Muzzin is scheduled to see specialists again in February.”

Chris Johnston

The Maple Leafs will need to make the decision, probably once the diagnosis gets clear in February, on acquiring players for a post-season run thanks to Muzzin’s cap hit for this season is $5.625 million.

On top of two concussions suffered last season, Muzzin and his family have to consider the long-term consequences.

While the fanbase in Toronto would love to have him on the roster for the playoff run, we all know that hockey comes second when health, family and long-term consequences are involved.

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