Chris Tanev could bring a unique set of defensive skills to Team Canada, depending on the specific qualities the team prioritizes for the upcoming mid-season tournament. Jake McCabe will be out of the Toronto Maple Leafs lineup for a second straight game when the team takes on the Nashville Predators on Wednesday. The defenseman took a puck to the head in the second period against the Tampa Bay Lightning on Saturday, which forced him to leave the game and miss Monday's matchup against the Chicago Blackhawks. Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube opened up his media availability on Wednesday morning, revealing that McCabe would be out for another game as he's not feeling good enough to play. "He's just not feeling right," Berube said. "He's not feeling good enough to play. So, he will not play tonight." McCabe was a full participant in Toronto's practice on Tuesday, returning to his spot on the team's second pairing alongside Chris Tanev. He appeared in good spirits after practice, even saying he'd be ready to play against Nashville. "I'm good to go," the defenseman declared. With McCabe out, we could see Morgan Rielly back with Philippe Myers [https://x.com/dalter/status/1863738586115252327] and Oliver Ekman-Larsson on the Maple Leafs' second pairing with Tanev. Myers skated with Simon Benoit on Tuesday at practice, but the surprising status of McCabe could move him back up. Myers played 18:27 against the Blackhawks on Monday and the following day McCabe spoke glowingly about the 27-year-old defenseman. "I give Phil a lot of credit, man. Even his last outing, I think, in Boston weeks ago, he was great in that game too. I told him, it's not easy to sit around and know you're practicing, but it's nothing close to an NHL-caliber game. He steps right in and fits right in and plays great, plays heavy, plays simple. I told him that again last night," McCabe said. "He looked great. Not even with his play, but just off the ice. I know it's not an easy position to be in when you're the 7th, 8th guy on the depth chart sometimes and you go through stretches and not playing. But every time I see him, he's got a smile on his face and he's working hard in the gym and he's just a great guy to be around. "So I really appreciate somebody like that, that when they're not playing, their vibes are really high and smiles on their faces and working hard. So, yeah, they've got nothing but amazing things to say about Phil." [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-R3IS3WYWj0[/embed] Berube was asked on Wednesday if McCabe would be ready for Toronto's two games this weekend, Friday against the Washington Capitals and Saturday vs. the Pittsburgh Penguins. The Maple Leafs head coach didn't want to jump too far ahead after it appeared McCabe was ready to play against Nashville on Tuesday afternoon. "Do I expect [McCabe to play]? Yeah, I'm a positive guy, so yeah, I do expect," Berube said with a smile. "Listen, it's just how he feels, right? So hopefully he's feeling better and better every day and we'll see. Like, this guy, he's a warrior. He'll play if he can. So, I'm hoping he's back." The 31-year-old defenseman has five assists in 23 games this season with Toronto. He's averaging the most ice time among defensemen on the team with 21:20 this year. McCabe signed a five-year, $22.57 million extension with the Maple Leafs on Oct. 28. The deal carries an annual average value of $4.51 million.
