You just signed a 31 year old to a 6+ million dollar deal with term. That is about as poor a decision you can make.

Fair enough, you make a good point - truthfully I signed the deal with the current year in mind, not 2021! Consider a revised contract at 6.5 x 3. Brings him to 34, an age in which he should still hypothetically be worth his deal, and re-evaluate from there. Slightly raised cap hit to overcome lack of term.

Maybe if it was still 2009, players playing to 34 is becoming very rare, let alone being worth that kind of money.

Muzzin's a clear-cut minute-munching top four defenceman, a consistent possession-driving defender, and someone who doesn't have much of an injury history. I fully believe he will still be a capable player by the time he's 34. Will he be worth the 6.5 by year 3? Maybe not, but it's worth it to have him on the team for those first two years when he is and take a 'loss' on a 4M player by year 3. Besides, 3 years isn't exactly a long-term commitment. The only defencemen who are losing their jobs at 34 either a) can't skate anymore or b) can't move the puck effectively, neither of which Muzzin projects to be. Finally, finding a top 4 defencemen in FA, the only real option at that stage for a team in Toronto's position, would likely cost much more and be around the same age as well, rendering your point moot.