Maple Leafs' Muzzin lands on IR

The Toronto Maple Leafs have placed defenseman Jake Muzzin on injured reserve, the team announced Wednesday.

Muzzin left Toronto's loss against the Arizona Coyotes with a neck injury after an awkward collision with Clayton Keller. The 33-year-old will miss a minimum of three games.

Head coach Sheldon Keefe said it is too early to put a timeline on Muzzin's return, according to Sports Illustrated's David Alter. Keefe also said a head injury had been ruled out.

"Obviously, for him, it's just making sure that if he does come back and play this year, or whatever happens, just make sure that he's going to be able to do whatever he wants to do the rest of his life and enjoy the time with his family and kids," Mitch Marner said after Maple Leafs practice, according to The Athletic's Jonas Siegel.

The veteran blue-liner has a history of head and neck injuries. He was taken off on a stretcher during the Maple Leafs' qualifying-round matchup against the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2020. Muzzin also missed significant time last season due to concussion issues.

Toronto has subsequently recalled Filip Kral from the AHL.

Copyright (C) 2022 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.