#1 Jake McCabe
Finally, we have one of the more reliable and trusted defenseman that the Leafs have had all season in Jake McCabe.
Starting out as just a trade deadline acquisition in 2023 to help bolster the team’s bottom two pairings at the time, McCabe has gradually evolved into a top-shutdown pairing defenseman for the Leafs by this current season.
Not only can he hit and block shots while averaging more than 20 hard-fought minutes a night, he has also shown some offensive flair when he recorded career highs in goals (8) and points (28) with Toronto last year. In doing so, it has made him the most well-rounded defenseman on the team.
This season, McCabe has continued his strong, elite play, thus earning him a five-year extension with an AAV of $4.51 million. In particular, he was also heating up in his past 13 games, having recorded a goal and 5 assists for 6 points, along with 20 hits and 22 blocked shots for good measure.
More significantly, he was beginning to form an elite shutdown pair with Chris Tanev in recent games before leaving this past Sunday’s game against the Philadelphia Flyers with a worrisome head injury following a fight with Flyers forward Garnet Hathaway. (All stats from NHL.com and hockey-reference.com, and salaries from PuckPedia.com)
Having already sustained a previous head injury from an errant shot earlier this season, the Leafs will need to be very careful that McCabe undergoes proper rehab and recovery, and ensure that he comes back only when at 100% health.
That is because the Maple Leafs desperately need him to have any success down the road since he is the only member of their defensive corps that can provide a huge impact both on the offensive and defensive side of the game. As a potential difference maker every night, that is who you want anchoring the team heading into the playoffs.