Jake Muzzin – Photo: IKIRI
By John Hoven | MayorsManor.com
The ongoing development of Muzzin was also one of the contributing factors that went into the decision (to waive Thomas Hickey).
“We felt there was an edge, that’s why he’s here right now, said Lombardi. “Under normal circumstances they all three would have been here right now (Hickey, Muzzin and Andrew Bodnarchuk). So you pick the one who has a little more experience.”
Muzzin played 11 games with the Kings two seasons ago and then-coach Terry Murray spoke highly of his future in the NHL.
More recently, when Monarchs coach Mark Morris came on the MayorsManor show in October he had this to say about the 23-year old defenseman – “When I first got him, I likened him to a young Willie Mitchell – who I coached at Clarkson.”
Ironically, it’s Michell’s current knee injury that may clear the way for Muzzin to return to the Kings line-up once again. At the very least, he’s probably the greatest beneficiary of Hickey’s departure, in the sense it solidifies his ’next guy in line’ status.
The former captain of the Soo Greyhounds (OHL) wasn’t thinking about himself though upon hearing news of Hickey and fellow teammate Rich Clune being claimed on waivers.
“I’m excited for them,” Muzzin said. ”Sometimes a shot in a new place may trigger something, and they could take off and secure themselves an NHL spot. So for both of them, I wish them all the luck. I’ve known Hicks for a long time now, and playing with Cluney, they’re both good guys. The teams that have picked them up have two good players and two good people.”