October 23, 2024 | 2:00pm ET
TheFourthPeriod.com
MCCABE NOT CLOSE TO NEW DEAL WITH LEAFS
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Jake McCabe, defenceman
Contract negotiations between the Toronto Maple Leafs and Jake McCabe’s agent have not gained much traction since the 2024-25 season has gotten underway, according to TFP’s David Pagnotta.
McCabe, 31, is in the final year of a four-year, $16 million contract and owns a seven-team no-trade list as part of his deal. He is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent next summer.
During the Wednesday edition of “The Latest” on TFP, Pagnotta noted that talks did pick up after training camp got underway in September, but have cooled since the season got underway.
“They had some talks in camp that started in July, (but) nothing yet,” Pagnotta said. “Nothing has materialized, nothing has gained any traction, to this point, with respect to Jake McCabe on an extension in Toronto.
“Look, everything can change with one phone call, but that would have to be one hell of a phone call right now to get the ball rolling on a deal.”
On Tuesday, it had also been reported that the Leafs are not close to an extension with forward Matthew Knies, at this point, either.
McCabe’s camp is open to continuing discussions during the season and remain confident in the defenceman’s performance, which has been impressive in the first few weeks of the 2024-25 campaign.
It is unclear as to the type of deal McCabe is looking for, but a raise is expected on a mid-range deal for the veteran blueliner.
In 73 games with the Leafs last season, McCabe registered eight goals and 20 assists for 28 points – all career highs – along with 56 penalty minutes. He has picked up three assists and a plus-6 rating over the first seven games of the season while averaging 20:59 of ice time per game.