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Insider Reveals Reported Details of Jake McCabe's New Contract with Maple Leafs

Originally posted on Maple Leafs Daily
By Ryan Smitheram | Last updated Oct 2, 2024 7:24 PM ET

NHL Insider reveals unexpected update regarding new contract extension for Maple Leafs defenseman Jake McCabe.

Early in training camp, McCabe was asked about his future with the Leafs and shared the news that he and the Leafs were negotiating a new deal. His comments confirmed Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman's earlier report that the two sides had preliminary discussions.

On Wednesday's episode of 'Real Kyper & Bourne' as Justin Bourne and Nick Kypreos were discussing the Leafs' blueline, Kypreos revealed that a McCabe extension could be coming as soon as this weekend.

'The one thing i did hear, is a Jake McCabe extension coming maybe before the season starts. I heard talks were real good...Still debatable on how much term, but I'm thinking he would have no problem next season making $30M over six years.'

The 30-year-old was acquired in February 2023 from the Chicago Blackhawks along with Sam Lafferty and conditional fifth-round picks in 2024 and 2025, with the Hawks retaining $2M of his $4M salary. Since joining the Leafs, McCabe has skated in 94 games where he has registered 9 goals and tallied 34 points while averaging just over 20 minutes of ice-time per game.

McCabe quickly became a fan-favourite in Toronto thanks to his willingness to play physically, as noted by his 219 hits last season and defensive play. While a six-year deal may seem long for a 30-year-old defenseman, it will be the better than the six-year deal Chris Tanev got from the Leafs at the start of free agency due to the age difference.

This article first appeared on Maple Leafs Daily and was syndicated with permission.

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