Bryan McCabe could be the next former Maple Leaf coming home if Mats Sundin gets his way
Photo credit: Tom Szczerbowski-Imagn Images
Former Maple Leafs defender Bryan McCabe could make his way back to Toronto in a front office role as part of Mats Sundin new crew of executives.
As Mats Sundin tries to lead the Toronto Maple Leafs though this time as a front office executive, there's been a lot of ballyhoo about some of the old faces he played with also being a part of the new crew to bring honour and hope back to the blue and white.
We've heard names like Gary Roberts and Tie Domi being tossed around meanwhile the introductory press conference saw Doug Gilmour, Wendel Clark and Darcy Tucker all in attendance as it's clear that history and nostalgia are at the forefront.
There's another name who could be coming back as well, and given his history with one of Toronto's biggest rivals as of late - it would be great to see him return.
Friedman wonders if Bryan McCabe is Toronto-bound once again
Former blueliner Bryan McCabe has been brought up by Elliotte Friedman as a potential old face who could be part of Sundin's newest crew.
Friedman noted that he wonders if Toronto does make a wave of changes, does McCabe get a call:
Obviously Toronto has not made any other changes to their front office, they said they were going in with an open mind. I heard there was a chance; and it's always dicey - when Dubas left he could take Spezza with him but then Toronto said 'We aren't letting you take more.'
Florida; Sunny Mehta just left and he let go a few people go with the Devils. I am curious to see if he adds Bryan McCabe. He has a really good reputation for player development..but I wondered if for any reason; if Toronto makes any chances, if Sundin would vouch for him too.
Florida; Sunny Mehta just left and he let go a few people go with the Devils. I am curious to see if he adds Bryan McCabe. He has a really good reputation for player development..but I wondered if for any reason; if Toronto makes any chances, if Sundin would vouch for him too.
McCabe spent seven seasons with the Maple Leafs and was part of a deadly duo alongside Tomas Kaberle that would instil fear into opposing goalies. Blessed with a blistering shot, McCabe used every ounce of his strength to fire the puck on net; often finding the back of it too.
He also was part of the Maple Leafs contingent who were the most successful in recent memory, as he helped them to the 2002 Eastern Conference Finals where they lost to the Carolina Hurricanes in six games.
Could McCabe be the one to help develop the next 'Core Four'?
Since retiring he has spent 13 seasons with the Panthers as Director of Player Development as well as Director of Player Personnel. He comes with great acclaim and names like Mackenzie Weegar often credit McCabe for their growth in the NHL.
If brought in, he could be the one to help develop that next core group of stars at the NHL level. Looking ahead to the future that new core is likely Matthew Knies, Easton Cowan, Gavin McKenna, and Ben Danford - a very promising and stacked group of players.
Knowing what he was able to do in Florida and maximize their players to their potential and getting a few Cups along the way, he would be transformative for the Maple Leafs front office.
If McCabe can bring out the best of the Panthers players and put them in a great spot to succeed (there or elsewhere) then he can do the same in Toronto; though the end of his time wasn't exactly peachy.
Whatever the case is, McCabe is going to be linked to Sundin and Toronto until further notice just as they were 20+ years ago.
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