For Montreal Canadiens forward Patrik Laine, it came in his rookie season with the Winnipeg Jets, courtesy of then-Buffalo Sabres defenseman and current Toronto Maple Leaf Jake McCabe. On Friday's latest episode of the Spittin’ Chiclets podcast with Ryan Whitney,

Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Jake McCabe's stat line from Thursday's win over the New Jersey Devils shows just how much the team missed him while he was out.

Toronto Maple Leafs defenceman Jake McCabe appears to be closing in on his return to the lineup soon. He has been an active participant in the regular jerseys at recent practices and morning skates, including Wednesday’s practice where he was once again skating with the main group.

Jake McCabe confirmed that he plans to play against the New Jersey Devils after missing the last four games with an upper-body injury.

Returning against Devils

Keefe spent parts of two seasons coaching McCabe and McMann, leading them to career-high point totals last year.

New Jersey Devils goaltender Jacob Markstrom will be out 4-6 weeks with a knee injury. The Swede was injured in a 5-1 win over the Bruins on Wednesday.

The Toronto Maple Leafs announced Thursday that center John Tavares is out week-to-week with a lower-body injury.However, the Maple Leafs will get some reinforcements Thursday against the New Jersey Devils,

McCabe (upper body) said Wednesday that his status for Thursday's home game against New Jersey will be a coach's decision, David Alter of The Hockey News reports. McCabe has been sidelined for the past week and a half due to his upper-body injury,

William Nylander scored his second goal of the game at 1:10 of overtime as the Toronto Maple Leafs battled back from 2-1 and 3-2 deficits in the third period to down the New Jersey Devils 4-3 on Thursday.

Jesper Bratt had a goal and an assist and Jake Allen made 29 saves for New Jersey (28-17-6), which won its second straight after four consecutive losses (0-2-2). Captain Nico Hischier scored but left in the third period with an undisclosed injury.

Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. Toronto Maple Leafs’ William Nylander, right, celebrates after his winning goal against the New Jersey ...