Since coming to Toronto, McCabe has been a reliable presence for the Leafs’ backend – and the team has missed him throughout his absences. This season, McCabe has one goal and 12 assists for a 13-point total. He has posted a plus-13 rating, while registering 81 blocked shots and 76 hits.

The Toronto Maple Leafs held a practice on Monday in preparation for their evening matchup against the Tampa Bay Lightning, and with it came another shake-up on defense. Morgan Rielly, who has spent much of the past month skating alongside Philippe Myers, found himself paired with Jake McCabe at the morning skate.

Jake McCabe participated in practice with the Toronto Maple Leafs on Monday but didn't stay out there long. The 31-year-old suffered an upper-body injury on Jan. 5 after falling to the ice awkwardly in his fight with Philadelphia Flyers forward Garnet Hathaway.

McCabe took part in his first full practice since he was injured in a fight with Philadelphia Flyers forward Garnet Hathaway.

Toronto Maple Leafs defenceman Jake McCabe appears to be closing in on his return to the lineup soon. He has been an active participant in the regular jerseys at recent practices and morning skates, including Wednesday’s practice where he was once again skating with the main group.

The Toronto Maple Leafs may have lost a key piece of their blue line. Jake McCabe was ruled out Sunday’s game against the Philadelphia Flyers after suffering an apparent head injury, the team announced.

Jake McCabe confirmed that he plans to play against the New Jersey Devils after missing the last four games with an upper-body injury.

Keefe spent parts of two seasons coaching McCabe and McMann, leading them to career-high point totals last year.

Where would the Toronto Maple Leafs be without Jake McCabe? Two seasons ago, the Maple Leafs acquired McCabe in a multi-player deal with the Chicago Blackhawks in an attempt to bolster their blueline.

Category coverage in return from IR

The Maple Leafs might have to find a way out of their losing streak without John Tavares. Toronto’s second-line centre departed practice on Wednesday at the Ford Performance Centre after he got tangled up with defenceman Chris Tanev.

Toronto Maple Leafs defenceman Jake McCabe will return to the lineup after missing the past four games with an upper-body injury. McCabe suffered the injury on January 5 after getting into a fight with Philadelphia Flyers forward Garnet Hathaway.