'He’s Kind Of The Guy I Want To Learn (And) Model Myself After': Maple Leafs Prospects Cade Webber and Ben Danford Getting Help at Development Camp From Jake Muzzin
Muzzin, who is officially a pro scout with the Maple Leafs, has been on the ice working with the defense at Leafs development camp.
Although Jake Muzzin didn't officially retire when he was named a pro scout with the Toronto Maple Leafs in 2023, the Stanley Cup-winning defenseman has well moved on to the next stage of his hockey career.
The veteran was on the ice as part of the coaching staff working with the 46 invitees at this year's development camp at Ford Performance Centre where he's been helping lend a hand and provide some of his personal expertise.
"I’ve been a Leafs fan my whole life and I watched him and I definitely looked up to him," Maple Leafs prospect Ben Danford told reporters on Thursday. "To get to know him and get to learn from him It’s really special."
Muzzin's playing career was cut short after a neck injury prevented the player from getting the necessary clearance to return to the ice. He last played on Oct. 17, 2022. Even though he couldn't return that season, Muzzin stayed around the team and tried to help in any way he could.
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Now he's been doing that with some of the defensive prospects, staying in touch and helping them adjust to life in the NHL.
"After I was traded here he called me and kind of introduced himself and we’ve been back and forth (since with) little teaching points about my game or who to watch in the playoffs and stuff like that and how they handle themselves," Maple Leafs prospect Cade Webber said. "just trying to pick up everything I can from him."
The 6-foot-7 Webber was acquired from the Carolina Hurricanes in a trade last season and then signed to an entry-level contract. The Leafs are hoping players like Webber and Danford can blossom under Muzzin's guidance.
"He’s kind of the guy I want to learn (and) model myself after a little bit," Webber said of Muzzin. "He’s a hard defenseman, simple. Block shots, tough guy."
Danford, selected in the first round (31st overall) by the Maple Leafs in the 2023 NHL Draft, has already been known for his ability to block shots. He was blocking rubber pucks from Muzzin at camp.
Muzzin spent 12 years in the NHL split between the Leafs and Los Angeles Kings where he won a Stanley Cup in 2014. He had 69 goals and 225 assists in 683 career NHL games.
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