Jake Muzzin was not drafted to be a Norris candidate, nor was he drafted because of his offensive production. He was drafted because of something that cannot be taught and that is total toughness. He brings an edge to his game that makes him a complete defensemen, and a core piece he is. Drafted in the 5th round and 141st overall in the 2007 draft, the 6-3 213 lb Muzzin has defined his game to be one of the best defensive defensemen in the game today. He does not shy away from the rough stuff, and this is a reason why he has won two Stanley Cups with the Kings.
The 2009-10 OHL Defensemen of the Year and 2009-10 OHL First -Team All-Star puts defense first then contributes when the time allows. He does have a booming shot when he uses it and plays a solid offensive game when he needs to. Muzzin played a key role in the 2014 Stanley Cup series victory, shutting down the top scorers of opposing teams. Often paired with Drew Doughty, he is known for his hitting and stay -at-home defensive play, he sticks up for his teammates as well.
He will never get the notoriety he deserves but he should be talked about because he has played an important part in the Kings success. Muzzin’s career playoff stats include 7 goals and 13 assists for 20 points in 50 games with a +4. In 446 career regular season games he has totaled 47 goals, 145 assists for 192 points with a +14. He played his first NHL game on Ocotber 9, 2010 against the Vancouver Canucks. That year he played 11 games with the Kings before being sent down to the AHL’s Manchester Monarchs for a year and a half. before becoming a staple on the Kings blue line. He led the NHL in goals with 6 in the 2014 NHL playoffs.
(Stats:NHL.com)
(Photo: latimes.com)
