Jake McCabe’s Return Is Critical to Toronto Maple Leafs Defense – Hockey Writers – Toronto Maple Leafs

In the latest episode of 32 Thoughts: The PodcastElliotte Friedman reported that Jake McCabe and the Toronto Maple Leafs have begun initial discussions about a contract extension. Friedman shared his thoughts briefly: “I’m a big McCabe fan. I think you are perfect for them. I think he is the type of player they need. I don’t know where this is going to go, but I believe they are having some discussions about extending McCabe. We will see.”

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This is great news for Maple Leafs fans. McCabe has been a key player since joining Toronto, and I’m happy he’s likely to stay for a long time.

McCabe’s Journey and Growth in Toronto

The Maple Leafs acquired McCabe in the 2022-23 season from the Chicago Blackhawks, where his offensive game had already begun to emerge. Before coming to Toronto, McCabe had a productive 2021-22 season with the Blackhawks, in which he posted 22 points—his career-high. Once McCabe joined the Maple Leafs, his game took another step forward. He scored five points in 21 games at the end of the 2022-23 season with the Blue & White, making an immediate impact. By the end of that season, McCabe had tallied 16 points in 38 games, showing consistency in both his offensive production and defensive reliability.

McCabe continued to thrive in the 2023-24 season. He has been a reliable part of the Maple Leafs blue line, providing stability and durability while contributing offensively with eight goals and 20 assists (for 28 points) in 73 games. He also posted a plus/minus ratio of 20. It was a new career high in points for him, surpassing his previous best with the Blackhawks.

Last season, McCabe’s face told his story

There was a time late last season when McCabe’s toughness was on full display. He looked like he had been through a battle. His bruised and swollen face bore the mark of endless battles—the pucks, elbows, and body checks that come with being a physical defenseman in the NHL. Week after week, McCabe’s face tells the story of a player who doesn’t shy away from the dark side of the game.

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McCabe’s rugged playing style complements the hard-nosed defense the Maple Leafs need. Whether it’s blocking shots, getting into tackles, or protecting teammates, McCabe plays with an intensity that leaves his mark—literally.

His ability to punish and continue, like former Maple Leafs defenseman Jake Muzzin, makes McCabe an important part of Toronto’s blue line. This physical, play-ready mindset has helped him disrupt opposing offenses and provide stability when the team needs it most.

What Makes McCabe So Important to the Leafs?

There are several reasons why McCabe is a key player for Toronto. First, he has been a rock on the Maple Leafs defense, known for his physical play. His 219 hits and 129 blocked shots last season highlight his reliability in shutting down top opponents. Often paired with Simon Benoit, the two became the best closing team at equal strength, eliminating offensive threats.

Second, one of McCabe’s standout qualities is his versatility. He can easily fit in on the left or right side of the defense, adapting to whatever the team needs. His ability to move up and down the lineup makes him invaluable in many different situations. His balanced game allows him to contribute offensively while remaining sound defensively.

Third, McCabe combines leadership with tenacity. His veteran presence has had a big impact on his teammates, and his fearless style of play—often seen with facial marks from physical fights—shows his dedication to the team.

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Ultimately, McCabe’s value is underscored by his advanced metrics. Last season, he posted a Corsi For percentage (CF%) of 51.19% and a Goals For percentage (GF%) of 55.26% at 5-on-5, indicating that the team generates more chances than it allows when on the ice. These numbers highlight McCabe’s impact beyond the physical aspects of his game.

Why Maple Leafs Fans Should Hope the Deal Gets Done

With McCabe approaching 31 years of age and his current cap hit at $4 million (a portion of which is retained by the Blackhawks), the Maple Leafs have an incredible amount for McCabe. Extending him would be a smart move, especially as he continues to produce solid results on both ends of the ice. The challenge will be finding contractual terms that both parties are happy with in the extension. Fans should expect McCabe’s next contract to be $5 million or more.

That said, McCabe has proven his worth, and here’s hoping a deal can work out to keep him in Toronto in the future. His continued improvement, defensive grit, and leadership make him an asset to this Maple Leafs team. His presence has strengthened Toronto’s blue line, and I’m excited to see what he can continue to provide in the coming seasons.