Bodnarchuk to waivers, Muzzin likely to replace Willie Mitchell

Earlier today the Kings put defenseman Andrew Bondnarchuk on waivers, all but confirming what has been expected this week – prospect Jake Muzzin looks to be the guy who will replace Willie Mitchell on the roster to start the season.

How much playing time he’ll actually get is still in question. With the absence of Mitchell in camp, coach Darryl Sutter has been using Alec Martinez and Slava Voynov as the second defensive unit – two guys who were playing during the lockout, rather than resting.

Mitchell is out for an undetermined length of time with a knee injury. Speculation is that he could be out for up to a month, however that has never been confirmed by the team. Media haven’t had a chance to speak directly with Mitchell either, as he’s requested all questions be held until he’s resumed skating again.  He is in town and has been to the team’s training facility, that much is known.

As for Muzzin, he started 11 games with the Kings two seasons ago and has been working on his skills in Manchester since.  The 6-foot-3 defenseman, with a powerful left shot, has long been viewed as the future replacement for Mitchell on the Kings roster. Now, it looks like everybody might get an advanced preview of what the 23-year old could look like in that role.

The following interview was recorded at camp this week in LA and has Muzzin talking about the ongoing development of his personal game and he shares some impressions of Tyler Toffoli…

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For more information on Muzzin, here’s a free replay of his most recent appearance on the MayorsManor show:

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