As the NHL trade deadline looms on March 6, the Edmonton Oilers have made it clear where their focus lies: adding a top-nine forward. But don’t be surprised if GM Stan Bowman also keeps an eye on the blue line - especially if the right opportunity presents itself.
Jake Walman’s return from injury has helped stabilize an already solid defensive group in Edmonton, but there’s still a sense that another piece on the back end could take this team from contender to legitimate Cup threat. And when insiders like David Pagnotta start dropping comparisons to a “Mattias Ekholm Jr.” type - a physical, defensively sound presence - it’s worth paying attention.
One name that’s starting to gain traction? Jake McCabe.
The veteran defenseman has been a steady force for the Toronto Maple Leafs since coming over from Chicago at last year’s deadline. He’s the kind of player who doesn’t always light up the scoresheet but makes his presence felt every shift. This season, McCabe has chipped in 17 points (three goals, 14 assists) while racking up 124 blocked shots and 75 hits in 52 games - numbers that speak to his willingness to do the dirty work.
Under normal circumstances, McCabe wouldn’t be going anywhere. He’s just one year into a five-year, $22.5 million extension signed in 2024, and Toronto brought him in to help solidify their own defensive core. But with the Leafs sliding and their prospect pool looking thin, there’s a chance GM Brad Treliving could be open to making a move - especially if it helps restock the cupboard for the future.
Now, let’s be clear: McCabe won’t come cheap.
If Edmonton wants in, the conversation likely starts with a future first-round pick. Add in another pick or a promising prospect, and you’re probably in the ballpark. That’s a steep price, but it’s also the going rate for a top-four defenseman with term - and McCabe has four years left after this one.
That long-term control actually fits Bowman’s trade philosophy. He’s shown a preference for players with term over pure rentals, and McCabe checks that box. If the Oilers view him as the missing piece to shore up their defensive depth for multiple playoff runs, that kind of investment could make sense.
There’s also a potential two-for-one scenario in play. If Edmonton wants to address both of its needs - forward and defense - in one swing, they could look at packaging McCabe with Bobby McMann.
The 27-year-old winger fits the mold of a middle-six forward who can chip in offensively and play with pace. But naturally, adding McMann to the deal would raise the price even further.
Still, the payoff could be worth it.
Slotting McCabe into the Oilers’ defensive rotation would give them another physical, dependable presence alongside the likes of Ekholm and Nurse. And McMann’s arrival would provide a jolt to a forward group that’s been looking for more consistency in its bottom six.
The reality is this: the Oilers are in the thick of their championship window with Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl leading the charge. Every move from here on out has to be made with that in mind. If McCabe - or McCabe and McMann - can help push this team closer to lifting the Stanley Cup, then Bowman owes it to the locker room, the fans, and the franchise to explore every angle.
There’s no guarantee a deal gets done. But make no mistake, Edmonton is hunting for upgrades. And if Toronto decides to listen, Jake McCabe could be exactly the kind of player who turns a good Oilers team into a great one.