The Toronto Maple Leafs locked up valuable defenseman Jake McCabe with a five-year contract extension, keeping him with the team through the 2029-30 season. The deal, announced October 26, 2023, carries a cap hit of $4.51 million per year, according to Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet.
While the cap hit reflects a fair market value for McCabe, the total contract value comes in at $23.5 million, averaging out to $4.7 million annually. Details released by David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period reveal a unique structure: the first year’s salary is largely paid as a signing bonus, followed by deferred payments in subsequent years.
Here’s a breakdown of McCabe’s contract:
- 2025-26: $6 million
- 2026-27: $5.5 million (including deferred money)
- 2027-28: $5.5 million (including deferred money)
- 2028-29: $3.6 million
- 2029-30: $3.6 million
McCabe’s extension comes as no surprise. Talks began earlier this summer, confirmed by McCabe himself. Sportsnet’s Nick Kypreos predicted a six-year deal, but ultimately, the Maple Leafs landed a slightly shorter agreement.
Since joining Toronto at the 2023 trade deadline, McCabe has become a valuable asset. Originally signed to a bargain-bin deal by Chicago, Toronto acquired him for a relatively low price, further enhancing his value. McCabe thrived in Toronto, exceeding expectations with career-high numbers, impressive possession metrics, and strong physical presence.
McCabe’s impact extends beyond statistics. His physicality, defensive prowess, and ability to contribute in transition make him a vital cog in the Maple Leafs’ defensive structure. His contract provides excellent value for a reliable, all-around defender.
With McCabe secured, the Maple Leafs now have approximately $26.27 million in cap space to address remaining roster needs, including extensions for key players Mitch Marner, John Tavares, and Matthew Knies.
Stay tuned for further updates on the Maple Leafs’ offseason moves.