Jake Muzzin has already shown why he could replace Hayley Wickenheiser

Toronto may not need to look too far for a replacement to Hayley Wickenheiser, as Jake Muzzin's already working closely with prospects and earning a ton of praise.

Wickenheiser's departure this summer left a hole not only when it comes to having an assistant GM but also in player development and in John Chayka's reshaping of the front office, Muzzin could be the best fit possible to replace her.

Currently, Muzzin works with Toronto's player development staff who is working closely with the defensive prospects and has a wealth of NHL experience and already getting a lot of kudos for his ability to communicate not only effectively but offer practical advice they can tangibly use.

Maple Leafs prospects have already embraced Muzzin's approach

If you're trying to replace player development, then bringing in someone who is actively developing your prospects is a good start. Muzzin was incredibly active, making sure that he called players like Ben Danford and Noah Chadwick to discuss their game and how they can improve all round:

A couple times a month I'd have calls with Muzzin. It was mostly just my kind of video, my shifts. If he would send me a text or something, it might be a clip of an NHL game on just that night. Maybe a D-man had a broken play and it turned into the other team scoring, like things you don't want to see, so things like that.

That level of investment goes just beyond helping them on the ice, and Chadwick echoed Danford's sentiments while simultaneously praising both Muzzin's ability and character as a person:

I couldn't really ask for anything better. He's a fantastic human being. Good character. He's special to work with and passed a lot of good lessons on to me.

Plus, he's dealt with being traded, serious injuries, playoff losses, you name it. He can help mentally prepare prospects for what's to come and give them tips on how to stay confident during rough stretches.

That intimate level of work with the prospects shows that Muzzin is focused on trying to build the future of the Maple Leafs, and for a team in a structural rebuild - adding a dedicated and invested mind can only benefit them.

Jake Muzzin is already doing the work Toronto now needs

Muzzin has been a player development coach since 2024-25 after transitioning from being a pro scout the year prior and his decision to stay in Toronto has allowed him to continue to help mentor players even if he's not playing.

Muzzin can still skate and participate in drills during practice so being able to see him actively on the ice and showing players where to position themselves is an added benefit than just looking at the X's and O's.

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The prospects being able to pick the brain of Muzzin and get practical advice they can use is going to accelerate their growth and as prospects noted - he's extremely approachable.

John Chayka must decide whether Muzzin is ready to lead the department

But now comes the question of whether or not Muzzin is ready to step into a bigger role. He would still be active but taking over Wickenheiser's position is no easy feat. He's never had a front office role beyond being a pro scout - a much different side of the executive branch.

Toronto kept Muzzin during this overhaul because they know how important he is to the development of prospects. If Chayka already got his group that he prefers, then adding a relative newcomer in Muzzin works - you've already got the brains, so bring in the heart.

With how approachable and patient Muzzin has been with the prospects over the past two seasons, and how devoted he is to seeing them improve then him overseeing that for all future Maple Leafs (not just the defence) could boost their growth.

It doesn't guarantee that Muzzin will be the next leader of player development but his work with the prospects and hands-on approach make him a very suitable candidate if Toronto wants to replace Wickenheiser.

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