Jake McCabe Injury Update: Why It's the Maple Leafs' Biggest Setback Yet

During last Saturday's game against the Tampa Bay Lightning, Jake McCabe took a puck to the head/neck area which led to him leaving the game and not returning. He was presumed to be back in time for Wednesday's game against Nashville but according to Craig Berube: He's not 100% yet.

His absence at practice is a worrying concern for not only the defender but for the team, as he's been such a big reason for their success.

So far this season, McCabe has been fantastic. His pairing alongside Chris Tanev has made the Maple Leafs a dangerous defensive team and before he went down, was responsible for having some of the best numbers in the league.

But this injury isn't just a small little bump in the road, and the longer he sits out, the more concern starts to mount. The 31-year old has become elite this season next to Tanev, and not only is he blocking tons of shots (46) but his advanced numbers are spectacular.

Toronto has been completely transformed defensively this season and has led the team to be one of the league's best not only helping the team defensively, but offensively as well even indirectly.

McCabe has also found himself with some of the fastest wheels in the league, as he ranks 2nd in defensemen for the first quarter of the season, being clocked in at 23.7 km/h only behind Jaccob Slavin.

If he were to miss any more time, it's not only a setback for a player having a career year defensively, but for a Maple Leafs team who has been so desperate for consistent blueliners. Being a bright spot ever since arriving from Chicago.

He signed a 5-year extension earlier this season, showing the Leafs have a strong commitment to him and realize how much he can bring to the team, both offensively and defensively, and it would be a shame if he misses out on helping Toronto, as he so often does.

Luckily, the Leafs have a bit of a weaker schedule ahead of them, and playing one of the worst teams in Nashville will ease the defensive load a bit as the team tries to navigate another game without their elite shutdown defender.

If McCabe misses any more time, that can only be bad news for both parties as without their brick wall on defense, that foundation of success will start to crumble.