"More cap space that can’t be used on Marner": NHL fans react as Jake McCabe signs $22.55M Maple Leafs contract extension

The Toronto Maple Leafs have signed defenseman Jake McCabe to a five-year contract extension worth $22.55 million. NHL insider Chris Johnston announced on X (formerly Twitter) that McCabe’s deal includes an average annual value (AAV) of $4.51 million.

McCabe joined the Leafs in February 2023 and quickly became a dependable part of their defense.

Eliotte Friedman shared more details on Jake McCabe’s contract.

"There is money deferred as part of this deal (between years 2 and 3 of the extension). Drops the AAV from $4.7M-ish to $4.51M," he tweeted.

The extension led to plenty of fan reactions online. Some liked the deal, seeing it as a smart move to keep the team’s defense strong. Others, however, raised concerns about how the contract affects the Leafs’ salary cap.

With stars like Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner (entering the final year of a six-year, $65.41 million contract) already on big contracts, Toronto has little room to add new players or give raises.

“More cap space that can’t be used on Marner, I like it.” One fan commented.

"I was hoping for a little cheaper, but he's only making 500k a year more than his previous deal, so I'll take that all day to keep him at basically the same cost. Especially the way he's been playing" a fan wrote.

"He’s Been solid yeah 5 years is a lot but this is good for the next 3 years after that it doesn’t look great" another wrote.

Here are some more reactions from fans on X:

"Classic Treliving giving out 5 years to a guy who is already 31 and not a top of the lineup player. He is going to ruin that team the Leafs need to fire him before he bungles Marner" one fan mentioned.

"Finally a good contract … this is fair and reasonable for a 2nd pair D over the term of the deal" a fan said.

"Wow. Lot better than the 5.2 x 5 I was seeing. I’ll take it, he’s been really good." one fan shared.

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When does Jake McCabe's new contract start and end?

Jake McCabe's new deal starts next season and he will be with the team until 2030. McCabe is finishing a four-year, $16 million contract he signed with the Chicago Blackhawks in 2021.

McCabe has three assists and averages 21:09 of ice time, leading Toronto with a plus-6 rating in nine games this season. Last season, he recorded a career-high 28 points in 73 games with the Leafs.