Photo: Yahoo Canada Sports
The Toronto Maple Leafs announced after their 3-0 win over the Columbus Blue Jackets in Game 2 of their qualifying round series that defenseman Jake Muzzin, who left the late in the game on a stretcher after colliding in the boards with Blue Jackets forward Oliver Bjorkstrand, was taken to a hospital outside of the Eastern Conference bubble.
Play was stopped for 15 minutes to help Muzzin off of the ice.
If and when he is able to return, medical officials will decide how long the 31-year-old will have to self-quarantine. It will depend on where he goes, how long he is at the hospital for, and how many COVID-19 patients he is exposed to.
The Maple Leafs said that Muzzin was alert and able to move all of his limbs. They will issue more updates when they get more information.
Maple Leafs defenceman Jake Muzzin was transported to hospital following an on-ice collision in the third period tonight. He is alert and able to move all limbs. Further updates will be provided once available.
— Leafs PR (@LeafsPR) August 4, 2020
Muzzin recorded six goals, 23 points, and a +12 rating in 53 games during the regular season. He would be a huge loss for a Maple Leafs team that allowed an average of 3.17 goals-per-game, the second-most among teams in the Stanley Cup Qualifiers (Florida Panthers: 3.25).
Game 3 is set for Thursday at 8 PM ET.
By Harrison Brown
