Jake Muzzin
ON-ICE VALUE
First-Pairing Defenseman
STRENGTHS
Shot: Muzzin is a trigger-happy blueliner with a powerful slapper and an accurate wrister. He doesn’t always get his shot through, but his mere willingness to fire pucks toward the net puts pressure on the opposition and provides his teammates with screen, tip and second-chance opportunities.
Defense: The veteran is a strong defender. In his end, he displays good instincts and he’s always happy to mix it up along the boards and in front of the net. With a long reach, a bit of sandpaper and solid hockey sense, he offers his team a dependable presence on the blue line.
Size: At 6’3” and 226 pounds, Muzzin is a big man. He uses that frame to lean on forwards in the trenches and disrupt their plays thanks to his active stick. Though he isn’t the most consistent hitter, he can lay devastating checks on unsuspecting opponents.
WEAKNESSES
Skating: Muzzin is on the sluggish side. He takes quite some time to reach his top gear, and if he takes one wrong step in the neutral zone, it will likely lead to a scoring chance. This lack of pace keeps him from being one of the top defensemen in the league.
Decision-making: He makes questionable choices at times, pinching without forward support or chasing a hit when there’s a rush headed in the other direction. There’s no middle ground with him. When he’s off his game, he looks completely discombobulated.
