Leafs Re-Sign Bryan McCabe

[Thrillhouse]

John Ferguson, vice-president and general manager of the Toronto Maple Leafs, announced Thursday that the club has signed defenceman Bryan McCabe to a five-year contract. McCabe would have become an unrestricted free agent July 1.

“Bryan is one of the premier defencemen in the game, and as a key member of our team keeping him in Toronto was one of our top priorities this off-season,” Ferguson said. “Bryan is among the most skilled players at his position in the NHL. He also brings us valuable leadership both on and off the ice. We’re pleased that he’ll continue to be a cornerstone for our team in the future.”

“I’m very pleased to be continuing my career with the Leafs, and to be a member of one of hockey’s most storied franchises. This team has the opportunity to win, and Toronto’s terrific fans make it a great place to play,” McCabe said.

McCabe, 31, ranked third among NHL defencemen in points (68) trailing only Nicklas Lidstrom (80) and Sergei Zubov (71), and third in goals (19) behind Mathieu Schneider (21) and Dion Phaneuf (20). His points on the powerplay (45) were third best among league defencemen, trailing only Tomas Kaberle (51) and Lidstrom (50).

He ranked first in the NHL in average ice time per game (28:17) and his powerplay points (45) placed him 12th in the league.

McCabe finished second in team scoring this season with 68 points (19 goals, 49 assists) and set career highs in points, goals, assists, powerplay points, powerplay goals (13), powerplay assists (32), average ice time, game winning goals (6) and shots (207). In 781 career NHL games with the New York Islanders, Vancouver, Chicago and Toronto he has 338 points (95 goals, 243 assists) with 1378 penalty minutes. In 51 career NHL playoff games he has 26 points (10 goals, 16 assists) with 70 penalty minutes.

The native of St. Catharines was originally the New York Islanders’ second choice, 40th overall, in the 1993 Entry Draft.

[Thrillhouse]

With all the rumors about Pronger going to Leafs, I think I'd rather take McCabe for nothing. If traded forn Pronger, McCabe might not sign and Kaberle would be gone. That's 1 real defenseman. We have our top pairing and can sign #3-4 guys for $2-3 mil and work on a real linemate for Mats. Still too much money but whatever.

[rock'emsock'em]

Wish he could have been a cheaper buy but as long as there is cash for a few good FA pickups I am happy.