Ex-Sabres Defender Discussing Extension With Maple Leafs

This former Buffalo Sabres defenseman is reportedly starting extension talks with the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Jake McCabe has been a significant part of the Toronto Maple Leafs' blueline since being acquired by the Original Six club from the Chicago Blackhawks in 2022-23. Due to this, the Maple Leafs are already working to keep the former Buffalo Sabres defender in Toronto beyond this upcoming season. 

In the latest episode of 32 Thoughts: The Podcast, Elliotte Friedman reported that the Maple Leafs and McCabe have started extension talks. 

Here is what Friedman said on the matter: "I believe they've had some conversation with Jake McCabe about extending him. I think he's perfect for them. I think he's exactly the kind of player they need. I don't know where this is going to go, but I do believe they've had some conversations about extending McCabe. We'll see."

McCabe, 30, is entering the final season of the four-year, $16 million contract he signed with the Blackhawks during the 2021 NHL Offseason. This marked the end of McCabe's eight-year stint as a Sabre. 

When noting that McCabe is such an important piece of the Maple Leafs' defense, it is understandable that they are already looking to sign him to an extension. He is precisely the kind of hard-nosed defender that all playoff teams love to have. 

McCabe also took his offense to a new level this past season, posting new career highs with eight goals, 28 points, and a plus-20 rating in 73 games. In addition, he set a new career-high with 219 hits on the year. 

In 353 games as a Sabre, McCabe had 18 goals, 77 points, and 522 hits.

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