Jake Muzzin traveled with the team to Tampa Bay and took part in the morning skate with his teammates, however he stayed out late with Auston Matthews and Nick Abruzzese, indicating he will once again be out of the lineup. After the video that surfaced yesterday of Muzzin labouring during a simple drill with other injured Leafs, it was a surprise just to see him out on the ice this morning.
There is no indication as to what his injury is but it would appear to be some sort of hip/groin issue, if you really pay close attention to the way he moves. Muzzin is known as a tough customer and has always played through injuries, but with his age, it would be best for the Leafs to give him as much rest as possible before the playoffs.
There is no point in playing him at 80% and having a chance to make the injury worse. With Rasmus Sandin expected back next week and the way the current defensive lineup has been playing, there is no need to rush him back into the lineup. As Keefe said late last week, going into the playoffs as healthy as possible is their priority right now so it would make no sense for Muzzin to play on this current road trip.
