Report: Maple Leafs Working On Extension for Jake McCabe

The Toronto Maple Leafs have done some reworking of their blueline this offseason, signing free agents Chris Tanev and Oliver Ekman-Larsson (and maybe Jani Hakanpaa), but one other bit of business they appear to be interested in is re-signing last year's workhorse Jake McCabe.

According to insider Elliotte Friedman, the Leafs are working on an extension for McCabe, who is heading into the final year of his four-year, $4 million AAV contract.

I believe they've had some conversation with Jake McCabe about extending him. I am a big McCabe fan. I think he's perfect for them. I think he's exactly the kind of player they need.

The 30-year-old stepped up to be one of the most consistent performers on the blueline last year for the Buds, as he recorded his highest TOI in seven years at 20:39, while setting career highs in a number of categories:

Points (28)
Goals (8)
Shooting pct. (11%)
Plus/minus rating (+20)
Hits (219)

The Leafs traded for McCabe from the Chicago Blackhawks the previous season, and he immediately showed what he was capable of, posting a +12 rating in just 21 games, while blocking 36 shots and laying out 41 hits.

He can play the right or left side, and his physical play and leading-by-example will once again be crucial to the Leafs' defense. It would certainly behoove them to lock him up for a few more seasons.