The Toronto Maple Leafs have released a statement that Jake McCabe will not return to tonight’s game between the Leafs and the Philadelphia Flyers. After getting into a fight with Garnet Hathaway, McCabe hit his head on the ice as he fell. He tried to get up under his own power but struggled. He was able to skate off the ice and leave the game, but he will not return.
McCabe is said to have suffered an upper-body injury. The altercation occurred late in the first period following a collision involving Flyers forward Hathaway and Maple Leafs goaltender Dennis Hildeby. McCabe didn’t like the bump and prodded Hathaway into an altercation. When Hathaway finally dropped the gloves, it was McCabe who took the worst of the matchup.
The fight ended on a concerning note as McCabe seemingly hit his head hard on the ice. He was wearing his helmet, which means things could have been a lot worse. Still, it was clear right away that McCabe was not OK. Slow-motion replay suggests he might have also taken a knee to the face during the fall.
While initially attempting to get back on his feet, the 31-year-old defenseman stumbled before teammate Morgan Rielly stepped in to steady him. He stayed on the ice for some time and was eventually able to get off on his own. Toronto’s Head Athletic Therapist, Paul Ayotte, quickly arrived to assist McCabe off the ice and into the locker room. Early reports suggest he may have suffered a concussion.
McCabe is a Big Loss for the Maple Leafs If Injury Is Serious
The hope is that this isn’t anything too serious for McCabe and the Maple Leafs. McCabe has been a key presence on their blue line this season.
Obviously, concerns are first for the player. McCabe has already missed games due to a head injury this season. From there, the Leafs will have to find a way to replace his minutes if he’s set to miss significant time. He is averaging 21:15 through 35 games with Toronto this season. McCabe signed a five-year, $22.57 million contract extension with the Maple Leafs on Oct. 28. He is a big part of the team’s future plans.
