Report: No contract talks yet between Maple Leafs, Muzzin

The Toronto Maple Leafs and defenseman Jake Muzzin have yet to discuss a contract extension, TSN's Pierre LeBrun reported on Wednesday's edition of "Insider Trading."

"Jake Muzzin, their best defender early this season, there have been no contract talks at all. Not this summer, not early in the season between his camp and the Toronto Maple Leafs," LeBrun said.

Muzzin is an impending unrestricted free agent and is eligible to sign an extension at any time. Yet the Leafs are reportedly waiting to see how blue-liners Tyson Barrie and Cody Ceci fit before engaging in contract discussions with any of their other defensemen. Barrie and Ceci were acquired in July and are also impending UFAs.

Toronto's contract extension with Mitch Marner, among several other transactions over the offseason, presumably pushed a potential Muzzin extension down the team's list of priorities. However, Morgan Rielly is the club's only blue-liner under contract beyond this season.

Muzzin was acquired by the Maple Leafs in January for a 2019 first-round pick, as well as prospects Carl Grundstrom and Sean Durzi. He currently carries a cap hit of $4 million.

The 30-year-old has been rock solid for Toronto so far this season. In seven games, Muzzin has notched three points while averaging over 23 minutes per night. He also has strong underlying numbers, sporting a 55.11% Corsi For rating and 52.66% of expected goals, according to Natural Stat Trick.

Toronto has a projected $65.5 million committed to its 2020-21 roster.