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

McCabe is on a five-year, $22,565,510 extension, and his absence has already hurt the Leafs. They dropped two points last night, although they still lead the division by four points over the defending champions Florida Panthers.

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.

The Maple Leafs defenseman attempted to get up on his own but fell backwards. Morgan Rielly was there to catch him before Toronto's Head Athletic Therapist, Paul Ayotte, came and assisted McCabe back to his feet.

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.