Maple Leafs Canadiens: McCabe exits opener after ankle scare
In the maple leafs canadiens season opener, Toronto defenseman Jake McCabe left in the first period after a skate appeared to clip near his ankle. He had played only 43 seconds, has not returned, and the Maple Leafs have not released an official update on his status.
Key Takeaways
- Jake McCabe exited Toronto’s season opener vs. Montreal in the first period after a skate contact near his left ankle.
- He had logged just 43 seconds before leaving and had not returned as of the latest reports.
- Canadiens forward Jake Evans’ skate appeared to clip McCabe while he absorbed a hit at Scotiabank Arena.
- Toronto is already shorthanded with Dakota Joshua, Max Domi, and Elvis Merlikins on the injured list.
- No official diagnosis or timeline has been announced; fans should watch team channels for updates.
What happened to Jake McCabe in the maple leafs canadiens opener?
Tuesday’s 2026-27 NHL season opener at Scotiabank Arena started brightly for Toronto. The Maple Leafs scored the first goal of the league season, with William Nylander tallying early against the Montreal Canadiens, according to game reports.
The mood shifted quickly on the blue line. During the first period, McCabe appeared to be clipped by the skate of Canadiens forward Jake Evans while absorbing a hit. The contact looked to be near McCabe’s left ankle area, and he left the game appearing to be in pain.
He had literally only played 43 seconds. After exiting, he was not on the bench and had not returned to the ice. Toronto began rotating its five remaining defensemen. Club officials had not issued an official status update at the time of reporting.
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Why does McCabe’s exit matter for Toronto right now?
McCabe is entering his fourth full season with the Maple Leafs and his 14th NHL season. Toronto acquired him from the Chicago Blackhawks in 2022-23. Last season he played 80 games and produced five goals and 25 points, per ClutchPoints reporting also carried by Yahoo Sports.
He later signed a five-year extension with Toronto. Heavy.com framed the setback around that contract commitment, calling him a $22.56 million defenseman whose absence would sting early in a remade roster under general manager John Chayka.
The timing compounds existing depth issues. Forwards Dakota Joshua and Max Domi are beginning the year on the injured list, and goaltender Elvis Merlikins—acquired in the Kirill Marchenko trade—is also on the injured list. Losing McCabe for even one game is a blow; a longer absence would add early-season strain.
How serious is the ankle scare, and what should fans watch next?
Reports describe a potential injury, not a confirmed diagnosis. Sources noted McCabe appeared to be in pain after the skate contact, but they also stressed it was still unknown exactly why he left and that Toronto had not released an official update.
For now, the practical picture is clear: McCabe was out of the maple leafs canadiens opener after minimal ice time, Toronto was managing five defensemen, and the next concrete word must come from the club. Fans should monitor official Maple Leafs channels before assuming a long-term absence—or a quick return.
Career context underscores why the concern is real. Across 723 NHL games, McCabe has 40 goals and 160 assists, plus playoff experience with Toronto. That track record is why any skate-to-ankle scare in Game 1 draws immediate attention around the league.