During the AHL playoffs, I chronicled Jake Muzzin’s story with this feature on LAKings.com. Now, Muzzin is preparing for his first real training camp with the Kings and seems to be gaining some momentum in terms of his chances of making the roster. Here’s what Muzzin had to say about his rookie-camp experience and his thoughts going into the main training camp…
Question: What have been your impressions of the rookie-camp practices so far?
MUZZIN: “It’s good to get out here. We’re going over the systems. We’re going over the L.A. systems and preparing for our games in Phoenix so that everyone is on the same page and we know what we’re doing and we can trust our partners out there. It’s good to get everyone in the same dressing room and talk to the guys and see some familiar faces around the room again. Long days, but we’re learning it all right now and it will pay off later.”
Question: Obviously you were here in the summer, and how much did that help you? Is there a little more familiarity now?
MUZZIN: “Yeah, and I ended the year off in Manch as well, so to see a lot of the Manchester guys and the coaches, I know the system, and then working out here all summer and seeing a bunch of the guys around periodically throughout the summer, it’s good to see the guys again and we’re looking forward to showing what we can here.”
Question: What is your attitude going into training camp? Clearly you know that there might be a spot on the roster to be won, so how do you approach things going in?
MUZZIN: “I’m just going in with a good attitude. I worked hard this summer with (strength coach) Tim Adams, and I’m coming in, just showing what I can do. If I play well and show up, then maybe I’ll take that spot, but if not then I’ll carry on to Manchester and play with them.”
Question: Is there anything in particular that you worked on in your game this summer?
MUZZIN: “Just overall fitness. I’m coming into the gym every day a little faster and a little lighter, to keep up with the NHL guys and the AHL guys. All around, just become stronger mentally and stronger physically on the ice.”
Rules for Blog Commenting
Repeated violations of the blog rules will result in site bans, commensurate with the nature and number of offenses.
Please flag any comments that violate the site rules for moderation. For immediate problems regarding problematic posts, please email zdooley@lakings.com.