Jake Muzzin has already become a strong mentor to Ben Danford, Cade Webber

Jake Muzzin has transitioned into a scouting role with the Toronto Maple Leafs and his mentorship is already paying dividends within the organization.

 

Muzzin moved into his new position in October after it was confirmed that he’d miss the duration of the 2023-24 season as a spinal injury. The veteran defenceman has served as a mentor for Cade Webber, one of the most intriguing prospects in the Maple Leafs’ system.

“After I was traded here, he called me and introduced himself and we’ve been back and forth, little teaching points about my game,” Webber said of Muzzin to Terry Koshan of the Toronto Sun during Thursday’s player development camp. “Trying to pick up everything I can from him. A good guy to look up to.”

Webber was acquired in a March 7 trade with the Carolina Hurricanes and it’s clear the Maple Leafs have placed a lot of internal value on the 23-year-old defenceman. He completed his fourth season with Boston University, recording six assists in 38 games and was named Hockey East’s Best Defensive Defenceman, then signed a two-year, entry-level deal with the Maple Leafs on April 18.

Towering over opponents with a 6-foot-7, 210-pound frame, Webber’s inherent physicality is an asset that Maple Leafs general manager Brad Treliving is clearly coveting. He’s also the NCAA’s single-season shots blocked leader and his willingness to throw himself in front of pucks is another key tendency the Maple Leafs are seeking as they revamp the blue line this summer.

Ben Danford was selected with the No. 31 overall pick in the 2024 NHL Draft and the Oshawa Generals standout will immediately become one of Toronto’s most important prospects in the system. Widely lauded for his defensive ability, Maple Leafs director of scouting Wes Clark raved about Danford’s excellent defensive instincts after the draft.

It’s clear that Muzzin has already made his impact on Danford, who has looked up to the Maple Leafs forever.

Muzzin was on the ice Thursday, directing drills at the Leafs’ development camp. It’s clear that in his new role, both on and off the ice, Muzzin will be an important figure for the future pillars of the organization.