BREAKING NEWS: Jake McCabe Commits to New Team, Announces Emotional Departure from Toronto Maple Leafs….
BREAKING NEWS: Jake McCabe Commits to New Team, Announces Emotional Departure from Toronto Maple Leafs….
By The Hockey Report Staff | June 19, 2025
In a move that has sent ripples through the hockey world and caught many Toronto Maple Leafs fans by surprise, veteran defenseman Jake McCabe has officially announced his departure from the Maple Leafs and confirmed his commitment to a new NHL team in a heartfelt press release this morning.
After spending the last two seasons anchoring Toronto’s blue line with toughness, composure, and grit, McCabe has opted to take the next chapter of his career elsewhere, signing a multi-year contract with the Dallas Stars (as confirmed by multiple sources), closing the door on his impactful tenure in one of hockey’s most storied franchises.
An Inevitable Yet Emotional Goodbye
Jake McCabe’s departure doesn’t come entirely without precedent. Speculation around his future had been building throughout the 2024–25 season, with trade talks, contract expiration concerns, and salary cap debates looming large. However, few anticipated such a swift and decisive announcement from the 31-year-old defenseman just weeks into the offseason.
In an emotional statement released via social media and Maple Leafs PR, McCabe said:
“Toronto gave me a chance to be part of something bigger than myself. Wearing the Maple Leaf was a privilege I’ll never forget. To the fans, my teammates, the staff—thank you for making me feel like this city was home. I’ve made memories that will last a lifetime. It’s time now to turn the page and begin a new chapter.”
According to league insiders, McCabe’s deal with the Dallas Stars is worth $15.5 million over three years, signaling both the team’s faith in his veteran leadership and the defender’s desire to be part of a Stanley Cup-contending group in the Western Conference.
Jake McCabe: A Steady Force on the Blue Line
Acquired by the Maple Leafs in February 2023 from the Chicago Blackhawks in a trade deadline deal, McCabe quickly became a stabilizing force on Toronto’s back end. Known for his physical play, shot-blocking, and reliability under pressure, he earned the trust of coaches, teammates, and fans alike.
In his full 2023–24 season with the Leafs, McCabe tallied 5 goals and 19 assists for 24 points, while maintaining a +15 rating and averaging 20:37 in ice time per game. But stats only tell part of the story.
He was a go-to player on the penalty kill, a mentor to younger defensemen like Timothy Liljegren and Conor Timmins, and a locker room voice who spoke with conviction even during the hardest stretches of the season.
Leafs head coach Sheldon Keefe offered his thoughts shortly after the news broke:
“Jake was the type of guy every coach wants—tough, dependable, low-maintenance. He brought character to our group. While we’re sad to see him go, we wish him nothing but success moving forward.”
The Business Side of Hockey
With McCabe’s contract up and Toronto facing serious cap constraints, many insiders believed a departure was possible—but few expected the decision to come so quickly. Leafs GM Brad Treliving addressed the media briefly after McCabe’s announcement:
“We had productive conversations with Jake and his camp, and while we hoped to find common ground, he earned the right to explore other opportunities. He’s a consummate pro, and we respect his decision.”
The Maple Leafs now face a significant hole on their blue line. With veteran defenseman T.J. Brodie also likely moving on and questions surrounding John Klingberg’s return, the team’s defense corps could look very different when the puck drops on the 2025–26 season.
Cap flexibility will be a priority for the Leafs, and fans can expect moves in the coming weeks as management looks to reshape the roster around core pieces like Morgan Rielly, Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner, and William Nylander.
A New Chapter in Dallas
Jake McCabe’s move to the Dallas Stars makes sense for both sides. The Stars, a team with a deep playoff pedigree and aspirations for the Cup, gain a battle-tested defenseman who can log tough minutes and bring postseason experience to a blue line already featuring Miro Heiskanen and Thomas Harley.
Stars head coach Pete DeBoer called McCabe “a perfect fit” in an introductory press release:
“Jake brings a no-nonsense approach that we love. He’s a competitor who elevates his teammates. We’re thrilled to bring him into our room.”
McCabe’s leadership, particularly in high-stress playoff moments, will be invaluable for Dallas as they continue their push to remain one of the Western Conference’s elite teams.
Toronto Fans React: Bittersweet Farewell
Reaction from Leafs Nation has been a blend of gratitude and heartbreak. While many understood the financial reality behind the move, few were ready to say goodbye to a player who represented the kind of heart-and-soul effort that fans cherish.
Social media flooded with tributes:
- “Thank you, Jake. Always gave 110% and never backed down. Dallas got a real one.”
- “Not flashy, but man did he get the job done. Gonna miss #22.”
- “Good luck in Dallas, McCabe. You were a warrior in blue and white.”
Even Auston Matthews commented on the farewell, writing on Instagram: “A great teammate and even better guy. Gonna miss battling with you, brother.”
Legacy in Blue and White
Though his time in Toronto was relatively short, Jake McCabe leaves behind a meaningful legacy—one built on consistency, toughness, and quiet leadership. He came in when the Leafs needed reinforcements and gave everything he had for the crest on his chest.
Whether it was standing up for teammates, blocking shots late in games, or grinding out crucial shifts in the postseason, McCabe never took a night off.
His time in Toronto may be over, but he exits with his head high and the respect of an entire city.
What’s Next for Toronto?
Now, all eyes turn to the front office. With McCabe’s departure, Toronto must prioritize bolstering its defense, especially with a fan base hungry for playoff success. Names like Chris Tanev, Brett Pesce, and even Noah Hanifin are already surfacing in rumors.
Meanwhile, young players such as Topi Niemelä and Fraser Minten may be given greater opportunities to earn NHL minutes.
The 2025–26 season is shaping up to be one of transition for the Leafs—but also one of possibility.
Final Words from McCabe
Jake McCabe ended his announcement with a simple but powerful message:
“Toronto, you embraced me and my family. You made us feel at home from day one. I’ll never forget that. Thank you, and I’ll see you on the ice.”
From Toronto to Dallas: Jake McCabe’s next chapter begins, but the mark he left on the Maple Leafs—and the hearts of their fans—won’t be forgotten anytime soon.
