With McCabe out with an injury until at least Jan. 14, the upcoming slate for the Leafs could test their mettle as a contender.

Maple Leafs D Jake McCabe has been placed on IR (retroactive to January 5). D Marshall Rifai has been recalled from the Toronto Marlies (AHL). It appeared that McCabe's head made contact with the ice. As he attempted to get on his knees, he fell backwards and needed help from fellow defenseman Morgan Rielly.

Maple Leafs defenseman Jake McCabe exited the first period with a head injury and didn't return, sparking concern across the fanbase following the 3-2 win. In a scary moment, the veteran defender hit his head on the ice following a fight with Flyers forward Garnet Hathaway.

Maple Leafs D Jake McCabe will not return to tonight’s game (upper body). The 31-year-old dropped the gloves with Hathaway after he collided with goaltender Dennis Hildeby with six seconds left in the first period. Both players got a few punches in before McCabe fell to the ice hard.

Regardless of your thoughts about fighting, the Maple Leafs' Jake McCabe taking on Garnet Hathaway was completely unnecessary. And it ended poorly, says Ken Campbell.

The Toronto Maple Leafs secured a dramatic overtime win against the Philadelphia Flyers on Sunday (Jan. 5). However, the celebration was marred by an injury to Jake McCabe.

The Toronto Maple Leafs have placed defenseman Jake McCabe on injured reserve and called up Marshall Rifai from the Toronto Marlies, the club announced via X on Monday. McCabe was injured after he was engaged in a fight with Philadelphia Flyers forward Garnet Hathaway in Toronto's 3-2 overtime win on Sunday.