Jake McCabe Expected to Return to Maple Leafs’ Lineup Before Regular Season Ends, Alongside Other Key Injury Updates……

As the Toronto Maple Leafs push toward the final stretch of the regular season and gear up for what they hope will be a deep playoff run, they’ve received some encouraging news on the injury front. Veteran defenceman **Jake McCabe** is expected to make his return to the lineup **before the conclusion of the regular season**, giving the Leafs a critical boost on the blue line.

McCabe, 31, has been sidelined with a lower-body injury sustained in late March during a game against the Tampa Bay Lightning. While initially listed as “week-to-week,” recent practices have seen McCabe gradually re-integrating into team activities, including full-contact drills. Sources close to the team indicate that **he could return within the next two or three games**, depending on how his body responds to increased workload and game-day testing.

Head coach Sheldon Keefe addressed McCabe’s status following Thursday’s morning skate.

> “Jake’s trending in the right direction,” said Keefe. “He’s a warrior and has been itching to get back. We’re not going to rush him, but all signs point to a return before we wrap the regular season. It’s a good sign heading into the playoffs.”

**The Impact of McCabe’s Return**

McCabe’s presence on the back end is a significant asset for Toronto. Known for his physicality, shot-blocking ability, and leadership, McCabe has been a key part of the Leafs’ second defensive pairing, often tasked with shutting down opposing top lines. In 63 games this season, he’s registered **3 goals and 17 assists**, along with a +11 rating and 92 blocked shots.

Beyond the stats, McCabe’s steady, no-nonsense style of play brings a calming influence to a defensive corps that has seen its share of inconsistency this year. His return will likely push one of the younger or depth defencemen—such as Simon Benoit or William Lagesson—into a rotational or press-box role as the team seeks to solidify its pairings ahead of the postseason.

**Other Injury Notes**

Alongside the promising news about McCabe, the Maple Leafs also provided updates on several other key players recovering from injuries:

**1. Calle Järnkrok (Hand Injury):**

The versatile forward, who has been out since suffering a hand injury blocking a shot in early March, is skating and shooting again, though not yet cleared for contact. There’s hope he could return **for the opening round of the playoffs**, but team officials are monitoring his progress closely. His return would offer a boost to the Leafs’ bottom-six depth and penalty kill unit.

**2. Joel Edmundson (Back Tightness):**

Acquired at the trade deadline, Edmundson has been dealing with lingering back tightness. He remains day-to-day but is expected to be available well before the start of the playoffs. The coaching staff is being cautious with the rugged blueliner, aiming to ensure he’s fully fit to play a physically demanding postseason role.

**3. Matt Murray (Hip Surgery Recovery):**

Goaltender Matt Murray continues his long-term rehab following offseason hip surgery. While there was some speculation earlier this year about a potential return, sources now confirm that **he is unlikely to play this season**, barring an unexpected playoff emergency. Ilya Samsonov and Joseph Woll will remain the Leafs’ 1-2 tandem heading into the playoffs.

**Looking Ahead**

With just **four games remaining in the regular season**, the Maple Leafs are currently locked in a tight race for playoff seeding in the Atlantic Division. The return of McCabe and the potential for other key players to rejoin the lineup couldn’t come at a better time as the team looks to hit peak form at the right moment.

The Leafs face the Detroit Red Wings on Saturday night at Scotiabank Arena, and while McCabe is not expected to suit up for that game, a return as early as next week’s matchup against Florida or Montreal is very much in play.

> “This is the most exciting time of year,” said McCabe after practice. “You want to be part of the battle and the grind. I’m close, and I can’t wait to be back helping the boys.”

As the Leafs close in on the postseason, staying healthy will be just as crucial as maintaining momentum. Fans and team officials alike will be keeping a close eye on McCabe’s status—and the injury board as a whole—in the days ahead.

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