"Didn't get it done in the playoffs" - $22,566,770 Maple Leafs star weighs in on Sheldon Keefe's impact, Toronto fans reception

Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Jake McCabe said the team looked forward to returning to winning ways. Speaking to the media on Thursday ahead of the game against the New Jersey Devils, he also talked about the return of former Leafs coach Sheldon Keefe.

“I don't think it's going be a negative one. Had a lot of successful teams here; obviously didn't get it done in the playoffs, but I don't think there's any bad blood there from my understanding,” McCabe said. (6:20 onwards)

Keefe was fired in May 2024 after the Toronto Maple Leafs were knocked out in the first round of the playoffs. McCabe also discussed the lessons he had learned from the former.

"He really opened up my mind, at least for the offensive side of the puck and gaining middle ice and how that can break teams down and different system things and just preparing for a game. I thought he prepared well," McCabe added. (5:59 onwards)

Jake McCabe was traded to the Maple Leafs from the Chicago Blackhawks in the middle of the February 2022-23 season. In October 2024, he signed a five-year, $22,566,770 million contract extension (via Spotrac) with Toronto. The deal, which kicks in when his current contract expires at the end of the season, has an average annual value of $4.51 million.

McCabe also returns to the ice after missing four games with an upper-body injury he picked up during a fight with Philadelphia Flyers player Garnet Hathaway.

Jake McCabe calls on Maple Leafs to return to winning ways

Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Jake McCabe (22) skates with the puck. (Credits: IMAGN)

The Maple Leafs have had a consistent season so far; the three-game slump is their first serious losing streak. Jake McCabe chalked up the high levels of the team to experience and different players stepping up to plug the gaps left by injuries.

“We know what we're capable of in here and know what it takes to get out of a skid and that's what has allowed us to avoid it," McCabe said. "Different players stepping up at different moments, goaltending, special teams whatever it may be. We've been finding ways to win this year even when we haven't had our best stuff,” he said.

The defenseman has been one of the Leafs's stronger blueliners this season, forging a strong partnership with veteran defenseman Chris Tanev. If Toronto's recent slump is any indication, his absence was felt. Also, with veteran John Tavares placed on injured reserve, the Leafs will look to McCabe to step up, as he put it himself.