Maple Leafs acquire Muzzin from Kings

The Toronto Maple Leafs have acquired defenseman Jake Muzzin from the Los Angeles Kings in exchange for forward Carl Grundstrom, the rights to defenseman Sean Durzi, and Toronto's first-round pick in the 2019 draft, the team announced Monday.

"We feel this trade was necessary for the future of the organization," Kings general manager Rob Blake said in a statement. "Moving Jake was not easy as he has been a key player for us and a significant part of our most historic and memorable achievements. We are grateful for his contributions to the Kings and we wish him the best of luck in the future."

Muzzin gives the Maple Leafs an immediate boost to their back end, something the team has desperately been lacking for some time.

Muzzin will partner with Morgan Rielly and allows Babcock to move Hainsey down to 3rd pairing. Will be an excellent resource for Dermott.

- Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) January 29, 2019

The 29-year-old has one year remaining on his current contract after this season with a cap hit of $4 million. He registered four goals and 17 assists in 50 games for the Kings this season after putting up a career-high 42 points last season.

Grundstrom was a second-round pick of the Maple Leafs in 2016 and has posted 29 points in 42 games with the Toronto Marlies of the AHL this season.

Durzi, meanwhile, was taken 52nd overall in last June's draft. This season, he's put up a combined eight goals and 28 points in 26 games with the Owen Sound Attack and Guelph Storm of the Ontario Hockey League.

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