Canadian defender Jake Muzzin, plagued by spinal injuries and concussions throughout his career, today was announced as a scout for the Toronto Maple Leafs, effectively ending his playing career at the age of 34, spanning a Stanley Cup, IIHF World Championship and World Cup victory.

A fifth round pick of the Pittsburgh Penguins in the 2007 NHL Draft, Muzzin remained unsigned, joining the Los Angeles Kings organization in 2010, joining the club full-time in 2012. Muzzin would become a key defensive cog in the Kings system during their 2013 and 2014 playoff runs, the latter resulting in the Kings’ second title in three years, with Muzzin notching six goals and twelve points in 26 games. Muzzin would join his hometown Toronto Maple Leafs in 2o19 after eight seasons in Los Angeles, but he would be plagued by injuries almost immediately in his Toronto tenure, never playing a full season in his five years playing with the Leafs, with his final game coming in October 2022. Muzzin retires with 69 goals and 294 points in 683 career games, with another 28 points in 72 career playoff games.

A native of Woodstock, Ontario, Muzzin did not join Team Canada until after his pro success, debuting at the 2015 World Championships in Czechia, notching nine assists in the tournament en route to a Gold Medal. Muzzin’s performance would earn him a spot on the World Cup of Hockey roster in 2016, winning a World Cup title despite only playing in a single game in the tournament.

Muzzin captured the IHLC twice in his career, at both of his Team Canada appearances – first in 2015, and then in 2016. We wish Jake and his family the very best for his retirement and the things to come!

Photo Credit: Getty Images – IIHF – HHOF – IOC