Jake Muzzin’s broken hand diagnosis was a massive blow to the Leafs organization at a time when results are everything. Muzzin had found a different gear in the last few games, stepping up at a time of turmoil and leading a young blue line during the absence of Morgan Rielly and Cody Ceci. Now, it’s up to five of the six defensemen that took park in the Marlies run to the Calder Cup in 2018 — plus Tyson Barrie — to hold down the fort.
Thankfully for Toronto, the Panthers haven’t exactly been rolling since the All-Star break.