$22,566,770 Maple Leafs defenseman makes his feelings known about impact of Auston Matthews' absence through injury

By Mike Whitaker

Modified Nov 07, 2024 04:33 GMT

The Toronto Maple Leafs were without team captain and superstar forward Auston Matthews during their recent 4-0 victory over their divisional rival Boston Bruins. He's dealing with an upper-body injury and has been designated as day-to-day by the team.

Despite the win, the absence of Matthews is a major hole in the lineup. Naturally, the Leafs who are healthy enough to play want to pick up the slack until he's able to return.

Defenseman Jake McCabe spoke about the importance of putting in the work when a key player is absent, and that it's a chance for everyone to be better as a group.

“I think everyone wants to just step up and pull that extra weight that we’re missing," he said. "And you can’t divert to one of our superstars; you gotta do it yourself, and you gotta do the work yourself. I think that maybe has something to do with it. We know we’re missing one of the best players in the world, so you gotta be that much better. I’m not really sure. I can’t put a finger on it."

"But I’ve definitely felt that," he continued. "I think everybody just knows they’ve gotta give that much more when you’re missing one of your top dogs. Guys divert less to our top dogs, and I think that’s a good mentality to have, especially when he comes back.”

Jake McCabe signed a five-year contract worth $22,566,770 with the Toronto Maple Leafs on Oct. 28. As per Spotrac, this also includes a signing bonus of $14,525,000.

The Maple Leafs hit the ice on Friday against the divisional rival Detroit Red Wings. Right now, the status of Matthews for the matchup hasn't been confirmed.

Auston Matthews considered day-to-day with his upper-body injury

Matthews, who is the reigning Art Ross Trophy winner as the NHL's leading goal scorer after lighting the lamp 69 times last season, has been "fighting" through his upper-body injury, according to Maple Leafs coach Craig Berube.

“He’s been fighting through it a little bit, so obviously he’s out tonight,” Maple Leafs coach Craig Berube said after the morning skate Tuesday. “[It has been lingering] a little bit.”

Matthews also became the first American-born captain in Maple Leafs history. The leadership role was officially ceded to him during the offseason by former captain John Tavares, who had held the role for the last five seasons.

So far this season for the Maple Leafs, Matthews has scored five goals with six assists. The Leafs have managed a record of 36-19-2 all-time when Matthews was unavailable to play, including the win over Boston.