The Toronto Maple Leafs may have to deal with some injury concerns as we near the end of the regular season. News emerged on Friday afternoon that Jake McCabe is injured and could miss multiple games. An update was given by Toronto Head Coach Craig Berube after practice.
Jake McCabe Injured; Could Miss More Than One Game
McCabe left Wednesday’s 3-2 win over the Florida Panthers with an undisclosed injury. He collide with a linesman and was involved in a hit with Panthers forward Carter Verhaeghe before leaving the game with 1:10 remaining in regulation.
The 31-year-old defenceman will miss at least Saturday’s game against the Columbus Blue Jackets. However, he may miss more time. Berube was elusive when the media tried to pin down a timeframe for McCabe’s return.
The Eau Claire, Wisc. native has played for the Buffalo Sabres, Chicago Blackhawks and the Maple Leafs across his 12-year NHL career. McCabe has two goals and 21 assists for 23 points in 66 games this season. He has a Corsi for of 42.8 and a relative Corsi of -8.0.
McCabe has 35 goals, 140 points and 175 points in 643 career games. Buffalo originally drafted him in the second round, 44th overall of the 2012 NHL Draft.
What It Means
Losing McCabe would be a big blow to Toronto’s blueline group. Philippe Myers looks like he will draw into the lineup while McCabe is out. Myers looks like he will partner with Simon Benoit for as long as injuries make lineup changes.
The Leafs are in first place in the Atlantic Division, but not having McCabe for an extended period could be a problem. He’s been one of the better defenders on the team this season.
Toronto will need the pairing of Brandon Carlo and Morgan Rielly to keep getting better. The pressure is on the Maple Leafs and they’ll need McCabe back soon.
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