Muzzin spent last season as a pro scout with the Leafs and has been present during Toronto's training camp.
Jake Muzzin's next path beyond his playing career continues to develop.
The Toronto Maple Leafs announced several staff updates on Monday where Muzzin has been officially elevated from the pro scout role he served in last year to a player development role.
Muzzin was hired as a pro scout last season while he remained under his standard player contract as he was physically unable to play due to a neck injury. The former Leafs defenseman was present on the ice with the club this summer, working with the club's defensemen.
"He's kind of the guy I want to learn (and) model myself after," Maple Leafs prospect Ben Danford said of Muzzin.
Muzzin originally joined the Maple Leafs in a trade with the Los Angeles Kings in January of 2019. A Stanley Cup winner with the Kings, Muzzin spent five seasons with the Maple Leafs where he played in 187 regular-season games.
The defenseman was limited to just four games at the beginning of the 2022-23 as a neck injury prevented him from resuming his NHL career. The Leafs were forced to put the defenseman on long-term injured reserve for the remainder of that season and the one following.
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Muzzin's playing contract expired on June 30, 2024.
The Leafs also announced that Jason Taylor has been hired as a Pro Scout.
Taylor was an amateur scout with the Calgary Flames before signing on for his new role.
Jerrod Smith has been hired as an Amateur Scout. He served last season as head coach of the Windsor Spitfires.
Scott Carter has been hired as a part-time Pro and Amateur Scout. He was with the Maple Leafs as an Amateur Scout from 2009-2015.
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