"Time for Reaves to earn his money" "Rifai szn pls" - NHL fans react as Maple Leafs place Jake McCabe on IR after scary head injury

The Toronto Maple Leafs placed defenseman Jake McCabe on injured reserve (IR) after he sustained a head injury. The team announced the move on Monday on X (formerly Twitter). McCabe’s injury is retroactive to Sunday, and he will miss at least three games. In his place, the Leafs recalled defenseman Marshall Rifai from the AHL’s Toronto Marlies.

McCabe’s injury occurred late in the first period during Sunday’s 3-2 overtime win against the Philadelphia Flyers. As a result, either Conor Timmins or Rifai will likely enter the lineup for the Leafs' upcoming game against Philadelphia.

This season, McCabe has 10 assists, 11 points, 37 shots on goal, 68 blocked shots, and 72 hits in 36 games. His absence leaves a gap in the Leafs’ defense. Fans reacted quickly to the Jake McCabe news on X.

“Rifai szn pls,” one fan said, showing excitement for Rifai’s chance to play.

“Time for Reaves to earn his money tomorrow night,” another fan wrote, suggesting Ryan Reaves will need to step up in McCabe's absence.

"Regular IR instead of LTIR is an important distinction. Either way, rest up and get better soon," one fan mentioned.

Here are some more reactions from fans on X:

"Normally I’d be worried, but the Leafs have shown they finally understand they need to step up in the face of adversity. Depth scoring is there. The stars are showing up. This is a hockey team finally working together. Hope Jake heals up quickly and without lasting effects!" a fan detailed.

"sadly hakanpaa is not ready... have to make sure if he can't suit up for the leafs he can't suit up for 4 Nations," another fan wrote.

"So tomorrow Reaves blind-side hits Hatthaway, gets ejected then a 10+ game suspension by George Parros and appeals it then tells Bettman that Hathaway should have been suspended if George Parros actually did his job properly," a fan said.

More details on Leafs placing Jake McCabe on IR

The Toronto Maple Leafs placed defenseman Jake McCabe on injured reserve after he was injured in a fight with Garnet Hathaway. It happened after Hathaway bumped into goaltender Dennis Hildeby. McCabe fell awkwardly and appeared dazed. He left the game in the first period and did not return.

This is Jake McCabe’s second injury this season. He missed five games in November due to a puck to the head. McCabe will miss at least the next three games. Max Domi was fined $5,000 for elbowing Hathaway after the incident.