Jake Muzzin

History

Muzzin had two herniated discs surgically repaired in his lower back in 2005. 

2006-07: Jake Muzzin was used sparingly upon his arrival to the OHL, appearing in only 37 games in 2006-07 because then Greyhounds coach Craig Hartsburg, having once suffered a similar injury in juniors himself, did not want to set the talented but possibly fragile defenseman up for failure.  Drafted in the fifth round (141st overall) of the 2007 NHL Draft by Pittsburgh.

2007-08: After being eased back into hockey in 2006-07, Muzzin played in 67 games for the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds in the OHL.

2008-09: In his third season in the OHL, Muzzin posted 6 goals and 23 assists in 62 games. At the end of the season, the Penguins relinquished his rights and he eventually signed with the Kings.

2009-10: Returning to the OHL for an overage season, Muzzin posted 15 goals and 52 assists in 64 games and was among the top defensemen in the OHL. At the end of the season he joined the Manchester Monarchs, appearing in one regular season game, and 13 playoff games, posting 1 goal and 4 assists in all.

2010-11: Muzzin made the Kings out of training camp as a 21-year-old and appeared in 11 games before being sent to AHL Manchester in November; spending the rest of the season with the Monarchs. Averaging just under 14 minutes of ice time per game, Muzzin had 1 assist and was -2 in his brief tenure with Los Angeles. In 45 games with Manchester, he had the team's second best plus/minus (+20) while scoring 3 goals with 15 assists and receiving 39 PMs. In the Monarchs' seven-game first-round series with eventual Calder Cup champion Binghamton he scored 3 goals with 1 assist and was +4 with 2 PMs.

2011-12: With the NHL Kings deep on the blue line, Muzzin spent the entire season with Los Angeles AHL affiliate Manchester. He scored 7 goals with 24 assists in 71 games for the Monarchs and was minus-three with 40 penalty minutes. Four of his seven goals were scored on the power play. Manchester  finished second in the Atlantic Division and lost to Norfolk three games to one in a first round playoff series. Muzzin had 1 assists and 2 penalty minutes in 3 playoff games. He was re-called by the Kings for the Stanley Cup playoffs as one of the "Black Aces" but did not appear in any games. Muzzin was re-signed to a one-year contract by the Kings in July, 2012.

Talent Analysis

Muzzin has no glaring weakness to his game. The 6’4 defenseman is offensively sound with an accurate one-time shot and a quick release. His passing is also above average as he makes a crisp breakout pass and can jump into the offense if needed.  The greatest asset to Muzzin’s game is his nasty on-ice demeanor. He demonstrates poise and willingness to take on more than one player at a time - regardless of how much bigger they may be, and is willing to drop the gloves. He is also good at taking players out of the play and clearing the front of the net.