TORONTO — Jake Muzzin sees the value in the Toronto Maple Leafs going back to the well with the Los Angeles Kings to try to borrow some of their former Stanley Cup pedigree.
His excitement over Wednesday’s trade between the teams runs deeper than just being reunited with old friends Kyle Clifford and Jack Campbell. He believes that adding the gritty winger and backup goaltender will have a measurable impact on a Leafs team still trying
to find its way back to the playoffs.
“How hard they work will rub off on guys and doing everything the right way,” Muzzin said before Friday’s game against the Anaheim Ducks. “Sometimes because we have a really talented group we rely on that too much, where I think we need that work ethic to come in
and take over games.”
Muzzin was frustrated following a 5-3 loss to the New York Rangers on Wednesday night, where he lamented his team’s desire to want an “easy game.”
The 30-year-old defenceman is counted on to help guide a still-developing team. Until Clifford arrived, he had been the only player in the dressing room who owns a Stanley Cup ring.
The other benefit Muzzin sees in this trade — which saw Trevor Moore and two third-round picks sent to Los Angeles — is that it shows some faith from general manager Kyle Dubas.
“He’s committed to us and we have to respond,” Muzzin said.
“It’s a disruption, but we’re at a point where we think a disruption is healthy,” head coach Sheldon Keefe added. “That’s what we talked about this morning, is we were just moving on from what we’ve been through here the last couple games and giving up points.
“It’s a chance for new blood and new energy in the room and having the opportunity for us to have a good weekend.”
The Leafs have slipped below the playoff cut-off line and are desperate to start banking points. They’re also dealing with a tenuous injury situation, with No. 1 goaltender Frederik Andersen (neck) ruled out for this weekend and defenceman Cody Ceci gone for at
least a month with an ankle injury.
Timothy Liljegren was recalled Friday morning and will take Ceci’s place on the bottom defensive pairing with fellow rookie Rasmus Sandin.
Campbell will make his Leafs debut in goal against the Ducks and is a candidate to start Saturday in Montreal as well, according to Keefe.
Clifford is going to be given a bottom-six role and seems thrilled with his new surroundings. He grew up nearby in Ayr and isn’t the least bit bothered by anything new coming his way — whether it’s the snow falling outside or the adjustment to playing new systems.
“A lot of great guys. You can tell they’re all striving towards something big here,” Clifford said. “It takes a lot of work, it definitely takes all hands on deck to get the job done. I’m just looking forward to getting after it tonight, we know it’s a tight race.
Every point counts.
“We’re going to have to fight for every inch.”
That’s the mindset of someone who has played a lot of big games, most notably during the Kings’ championship runs in 2012 and 2014.
“He’s going to bring toughness, he’s going to bring grit,” Muzzin said of Clifford. “A hard-working guy and that sandpaper, that can go a long way in games.”
The three former Kings got together for dinner on Thursday night and were joined by Mitch Marner.
“Mitchy was nice enough to pick up the tab,” said Clifford. “Hell of a guy.”
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