McCabe was paired alongside Oliver Ekman-Larsson on Friday, the second day of Maple Leafs training camp.
McCabe was paired alongside Oliver Ekman-Larsson on Friday, the second day of Maple Leafs training camp.
Jake McCabe is open to remaining in the Maple Leafs organization for the future.
The veteran defenseman spoke with the media on Friday following his group's session at Maple Leafs training camp. McCabe defined the first two days of camp as "tough," but that he enjoyed it.
"It's everything that we need to get back in the swing of things," he said.
The 30-year-old is entering the final year of a four-year, $16 million contract he signed with his former team, the Chicago Blackhawks, in July 2021. When Toronto acquired him from Chicago for a 2025 first-round pick, a 2026 second-round pick, and forwards Joey Anderson and Pavel Gogolev, the Blackhawks retained 50 percent of his salary.
His cap hit with the Maple Leafs for the past two seasons has been at $2 million. Earlier this month, Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman reported that McCabe and Toronto have already discussed a new contract.
The defender confirmed that report on Friday, saying the two sides have talked a few times.
"I love it here. I think they enjoy my game too," McCabe said. "That's why you have agents and now it's training camp time. I'm just looking forward to being with the fellas here and, like I said, ramping up our game and getting ready for the season."
McCabe added that he would want to remain a Maple Leaf long term.
"Yeah, I love it here. Like I said, we've been chatting and we'll see where things go."
He's taking things day by day, when it comes to his play, this training camp, and contract negotiations. McCabe is looking forward to the challenge ahead with Toronto, and improving his own game too.
"That's been my goal every single year in this league. Body feels great. As you put the games together in this league, you put yourself in more situations, you're more comfortable every single year, in my opinion, especially as a defenseman," McCabe said.
"You see certain situations, whether it's line rushes or D zone coverages, and able to adapt to that and continue to improve with my puck play, my overall game. I want to just take another step as a leader on this team and just keep pushing us in the right direction."
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