Insider Links Maple Leafs Trade to Blackhawks Defenseman

According to Frank Seravalli of Daily Faceoff, the Toronto Maple Leafs have interest in acquiring Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Jake McCabe.

McCabe is 29, signed through the 2024-25 season at cap hit of $4 million per season. The blueliner holds trade protection as he owns a modified no-trade clause which protects him against seven teams of his choice. The Maple Leafs are one team McCabe would approve a deal to.

The Blackhawks defender is known for taking the body, blocking shots, killing penalties and chipping in from time to time with some offense. McCabe has registered 13 points in 40 games this season and is a plus +4 rating, which is impressive considering how bad Chicago has been this season.

The Maple Leafs and Blackhawks have a decorated history of trades including some that didn't materialize last season. Here's what Seravalli had to say on the potential of a deal:

According to @frank_seravalli, the #LeafsForever have legitimate interest in #Blackhawks D Jake McCabe 👀@MontanasBBQ Details --> https://t.co/2O7Xo5Pyr7 #MontanasBBQ #Montanasdailydeals

📱: https://t.co/pP67jMXNWz

Here's more with @thegoldenmuzzy from Leafs Morning Take: pic.twitter.com/lKVwBWQ5JS
— TheLeafsNation (@TLNdc) January 20, 2023