Finally, the Toronto Maple Leafs pulled off the trade that many fans were waiting for. They worked with the Chicago Blackhawks to bring in defenseman Jake McCabe. The team also got forward Sam Lafferty, a conditional fifth-round pick in the 2024 NHL Draft, and a conditional fifth-round pick in the 2025 NHL Draft.
Moving to the Blackhawks were forwards Joey Anderson and Pavel Gogolev, a conditional first-round pick in the 2025 NHL Draft (top ten protected), and a second-round pick in the 2026 NHL Draft. The Blackhawks helped the matter by retaining 50% of McCabe’s salary as part of the deal.
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Who Is Jake McCabe?
McCabe is a 29-year-old defenseman. He’s had a long career with the Buffalo Sabres and has played a couple of seasons now with the Blackhawks. This season, he’s recorded 20 points (two goals, 18 assists) in 55 games with the Blackhawks.
During his career, he’s played in 483 regular-season NHL games. Most have been with the Sabres but some also with the Blackhawks. In his career, he’s registered 119 points (24 goals, 95 assists). McCabe was drafted by the Buffalo Sabres in the second round (44th overall) of the 2012 NHL Entry Draft.
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Who Is Sam Lafferty?
Sam Lafferty is a 27-year-old forward (a graduate of an Ivy League school – Brown University). He has scored 10 goals and added 11 assists (for 21 points) in 51 games with the Blackhawks this season.
Over his NHL career, he’s played in 191 career games with the Pittsburgh Penguins and Blackhawks. In those games, he’s putting up 53 points (21 goals, 32 assists). Lafferty was originally picked by the Penguins in the fourth round (113th overall) of the 2014 NHL Entry Draft.
What Does This Trade Do for the Maple Leafs?
The trade gives the Maple Leafs additional depth and experience on their blue line with McCabe, who has played in over 480 NHL games. Lafferty also brings some offensive depth to the team’s forward group.
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