Maple Leafs Extend Defenseman Jake McCabe: Analyzing the Impact of the New Deal

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Chris Gerics
October 28, 2024 (10:54)

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The Maple Leafs locked up a big part of their defensive corps on Monday, signing Jake McCabe to a contract extension, and we at HockeyPatrol take a look at the deal.

It's a big contract year for many Toronto Maple Leafs players, with it being Mitch Marner and John Tavares' final season before their contracts are up, not to mention Nick Robertson's future with the team beyond this season. It's up to GM Brad Treliving to make the right decisions regarding who Toronto ends up keeping on their roster.

They made a big move on Monday to secure a key part of their defense, extending Jake McCabe to a five-year deal, ensuring McCabe is around until 2030.

McCabe re-signed with the Maple Leafs for an average value of $4.51M which in this day and age is considered a steal. Securing a Top-4 veteran defenseman for your future means only good things for Toronto. Known as a stand-out shutdown defender, McCabe is able to provide Toronto with a stonewall defender who can also chip in offensively at times with 155 points in 586 games.

The contract does have deferred money, meaning a lot of it will presumably be back-ended at the end of his deal as he winds down his career. It's a savvy business move that often takes the world by storm, as in the case of MLB's Shohei Ohtani, who after signing a record $700M deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers, will actually only make $2M a year thanks to deferrals.

Jake McCabe's League Comparison

Jake McCabe has been a solid defensive presence for Buffalo, Chicago, and Toronto in his career, and combined with his grit, toughness, and passion for the game it's led to a lot of success. In terms of who could be a solid comparison to McCabe would be Tampa Bay's Erik Cernak.

Both men are stay-at-home defenders with a knack for blocking shots, getting physical, and being the shutdown players teams need to be successful. McCabe has more games than Cernak, but their career statistics (at least on average) are very similar.

McCabe averages 137 blocks and 152 hits per 82 games, meanwhile, Cernak averages 113 blocks and a ridiculous 232 hits over 82 games. McCabe blocks a few more shots but Cernak lays opponents out more frequently. Both players are crucial for neutralizing any offensive opportunities from the opponents while averaging nearly identical ice times.

Is This A Good Deal For Toronto?

Yes, absolutely. This is a steal in the modern NHL era in a world where everyone seems to get bloated contracts, and McCabe's role is such a vital one for Toronto they would be willing to pay that premium if they had to. Not only is it good for Toronto going forward but it also gives McCabe financial security for most of what remains in his career, which has to help motivate play on the ice too.

It's been a solid career so far for Jake McCabe, and he's earned himself a hefty extension. Now the focus can turn to helping Toronto win a Stanley Cup; preferably within those five years.