Defenseman signs five-year contract extension with the Toronto Maple Leafs

Leafs general manager Brad Treliving made significant strides to bolster his blue line during the last summer. He notably acquired Chris Tanev and Oliver Ekman-Larsson, who already have an impact on the team.

These new acquisitions had to force the organization to rethink their pairings, and unfortunately, some of them didn't make the cut, like Timothy Liljegren. He took part in only one game this season and his name has come up in many trade rumors since.

However, others are thriving under new head coach Craig Berube. That seems to be Jake McCabe's case, who committed to the Leafs long-term.

Indeed, in breaking news, the 31-year-old defenseman agreed on a five-year, $4.51 million contract extension with the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Per Elliotte Friedman:

McCabe, 31, scored three points, all assists, with the Leafs this season. In his career, he appeared in 586 NHL games for the Leafs, Chicago Blackhawks, and Buffalo Sabres, and tallied 155 points, including 33 goals.

The 6'1" defenseman was traded alongside Sam Lafferty and two draft picks to the Maple Leafs in February 2023 in a deal with the Chicago Blackhawks. In return, the Leafs sent two other picks and forwards Joey Anderson and Pavel Gogolev.

A tough challenge awaits Toronto, as the Leafs will be back in action tonight against Winnipeg Jets. Still undefeated, the Jets will look to keep their eight-win streak going., while the Maple Leafs will look to win their first game since October 21st against the Tampa Bay Lightning.