Muzzin is out for the rest of the play-in series

Following hours of uncertainty regarding the status of Jake Muzzin’s health, the Leafs confirmed that he is back at the Fairmount Royal York but will not play for the rest of the series.

This is a good outcome to what looked to be a horrific injury sustained by the 31-year-old defender. Based on the NHL’s schedule for the first round commencing on August 11th, that means Muzzin will be out of commission for a week at minimum (assuming the Leafs advance past the Blue Jackets). He will be in quarantine at the hotel for the time being as he regains strength from his ailment.

Muzzin left Tuesday’s game late in the third period after being cross-checked by Pierre-Luc Dubois and had his neck and head collide with the back of Oliver Bjorkstrand’s leg as he fell to the ice. He was taken off on a stretcher following a 15-minute delay.

In the wake of his injury sidelining him for the rest of the series, the Leafs will likely slot in either Rasmus Sandin or Martin Marincin to fill the void.

The series continues on Thursday at 8 p.m. where Toronto and Columbus look to grab hold of the series lead.