During training camp, McCabe confirmed he and the Leafs were in talks about a potential extension, but since, things had been very quiet.
McCabe continued about his business on the ice, maintaining his excellent play from last season in the Leafs' top-four. On Monday, the Leafs announced they signed the Wisconsin native to a 5-year extension that will carry a cap hit of $4.51M per season.
There's no question about it, McCabe's new deal is a sweetheart of a deal, considering his current salary is actually $4M for the season, even though the Leafs are only on the hook for $2M after acquiring him from the Chicago Blackhawks at 50% retained along with Sam Lafferty, a conditional 5th round pick in 2024 and a conditional 5th round pick in 2025 just prior to the 2023 trade deadline.
Many analysts believed that McCabe would get between $5M and $6M, so this is a steal for the Leafs.
McCabe has been a workhorse for the Leafs and helped solidify the top-four upon his arrival to Toronto. He instantly brought the physicality and sandpaper the Leafs desperately needed on the back end and quickly became a fan favourite due to the style of hockey he plays.
In 103 games for the Leafs, the former second-round pick has tallied 9 goals and 36 points to go along with 182 blocks and 279 hits while averaging slightly more than 20 minutes per game. With McCabe signed, the Leafs now have their top-four defensemen locked up until the end of the 2027-28 season.
POLL | ||
28 OCTOBRE | 1746 ANSWERS Jake McCabe Comes to Terms With Maple Leafs on Lengthy Contract Extension How do you feel about McCabe's extension? | ||
It's a steal | 507 | 29 % |
I don't mind it | 871 | 49.9 % |
Too long for his age | 302 | 17.3 % |
Hate everything about it | 66 | 3.8 % |
List of polls |