Jake McCabe earned praise from the Toronto fanbase after the Maple Leafs missed the playoffs for the first time in nearly a decade. The team acquired him in February 2023 and he became a regular on the defensive corps. McCabe signed a five-year, $22.55 million extension on October 28, 2024, keeping him in Toronto through the end of the 2029-30 season. He played 80 games, recording five goals and 20 assists for 25 points, close to his 2023-24 career high. He finished with a plus-three rating, and his season included a 50-game goalless stretch that ended on March 25 against the New York Rangers. Teammates valued his physical, hard-to-play-against style.
"“It's really exciting for me and my family,” McCabe said. “We've loved our time in Toronto thus far, and to be able to sign out for another five years is super exciting for us.”"
"McCabe appeared in 80 games this season, picking up five goals and 20 assists, and his 25 points were only three off the career-high of 28 he set with the Maple Leafs during the 2023-24 season. Notably, McCabe finished the year with a plus-three rating, a strong showing on a team that only had two players finish on the plus side with at least 50 games played."
"While goals aren't the be-all end-all with McCabe, the defenceman endured a 50-game goalless drought, which was finally broken during a 4-3 win over the New York Rangers on March 25. During that time, McCabe picked up 12 assists, but a few people close to him were questioning his ability to find the back of the net."
"“It was funny, my kids are giving me a hard time today. They said, 'Dad, you never score goals, when are you gonna score a goal,'” he said. “It's nice to get one, especially in the first period when I know they're still up watching. Looking forward to seeing them in the morning and getting their reaction.”"
Read at TheLeafsNation
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