The Toronto Maple Leafs made a significant trade to acquire Jake Muzzin from the Los Angeles Kings, paying a high price that has since proven to be worth it. Muzzin's time in Toronto was marred by injuries, ultimately leading to his retirement in Oct. 2023. Despite not winning a Stanley Cup, he showed strong leadership and work ethic during his tenure.

The trade saw the Maple Leafs part with prospects Carl Grundstrom and Sean Durzi, along with a first-round pick that turned into Tobias Björnfot. Durzi, a key piece in the trade, has shown promise and was later traded to the Arizona Coyotes. Grundstrom has been traded to the San Jose Sharks, while Björnfot has had a less successful career following his time with the Kings.

Both teams benefitted from the trade, with the Maple Leafs gaining a valuable defenseman and the Kings acquiring prospects to bolster their roster in a rebuild. Time will tell how the players acquired by the Kings will fare in the long run, but Muzzin's impact on the Maple Leafs' defense was undeniable.