I was just about done today’s FTB when I got the @LeafsPR notification. It’s safe to say, there was a few more links to add! Jake Muzzin provides the Leafs with another legitimate top-three defenceman, and Morgan Rielly will finally have a high-end partner to play with.

I shared a few quick thoughts on the trade in our emergency roundtable:

The Leafs were bound to add a defenceman at the trade deadline. It’s impossible to look at this group of forwards, with Frederik Andersen in net, and not upgrade on the backend. You can’t play a 38-year old Ron Hainsey against the Bergeron and Kucherov lines come playoff time.

Jake Muzzin made Canada’s World Cup of Hockey team just a couple of years back. He’s a 40-point defenceman who can match-up against top competition, and he’s a massive upgrade for a team that had such a glaring weakness.

At first glance, this does not look like an overpay for two playoff runs with Muzzin. Losing a first round pick hurts, but it’s bound to be a late pick, and at least they are not surrendering this for a pure rental. Durzi is a talented scorer, but I’m not completely sold on his footspeed yet, considering that he’s more of an offensive defenceman. I like Durzi, and I wish him all the best in Los Angeles, but you have to give to get.

Grundstrom is a future NHL player, but his lack of vision and playmaking will hurt his value. The Leafs could use cheap and effective winger over the next few years, but Dubas has shown an ability to find players like Tyler Ennis, and I don’t think Grundstrom will be far above replacement-level.

All in all, the Leafs needed a quality top-four defenceman, and they got it done for a fair price.

In other news, Trevor Moore scored the game winning goal in the AHL All Star game last night:

Without further ado, here are today’s links:

Jake Muzzin Content

The Leafs Get A Defenceman: Jake Muzzin Trade Roundtable- PPP Staff

Emergency roundtable!

Toronto Maple Leafs Acquire Jake Muzzin From Kings- ElSeldo

You can find the original Muzzin-to-Toronto post here.

Jake Muzzin and the Maple Leafs Salary Cap- Katya Knappe

Katya looks at the deal’s implications to the salary cap.

Back to Excited: Episode 48: Jake Muzzin is a Leaf- Arvind and Acting the Fulemin

Emergency pod! I love emergency pods.

In Case You Missed It

Leafs’ Top 25 Under 25: Midseason Roundtable- PPP Staff

Rasmus Sandin is rising faster than a helium-filled balloon.

Morgan Rielly and Jake Gardiner are the Leafs top pair- Katya Knappe

This is one of the more interesting articles I’ve read in recent weeks.

Edit: That might be a weird way to spell Muzzin.

Back To Excited Episode 47: All-Stars, Marleau, Lamoriello- Arvind and Acting the Fulemin

Episode 47! Which is fitting, because Arvind is the Leo Komarov of the podcast. (Note: I am still hurt about

European Report: Korshkov gets some points, and Räsänen continues his rehab- Katya Knappe

It’s great to see Korshkov finding the score sheet once again.

From the Branches

Leafs Notebook: Evaluating team needs, state of the defense at the All-Star Break- Anthony Petrielli

Well, the state of the defence at the All Star break certainly changed in a hurry.

The Rental Market Sucks, So Let Other Contenders Make Mistakes- Jon Steitzer

After reading this article, it’s tough to criticize the deal that Toronto got for Muzzin.

Predicting Kyle Dubas’ Busy Summer- Wyatt Fremlin

This was an interesting read. Time to re-do it with Muzzin in the fold!

The Leafs Geeks Podcast Episode 131: Born to be Wylde- Ian Tulloch

Ian had Adam Wylde on his podcast, who never fails to entertain.

Have a good day.

From The Branches