Insider reveals the Hawks' asking price from the Leafs for defender at full pop and at 50% retention

As the NHL's Trade Deadline is fast approaching, we already know of several marquee players that will be available for contenders to pry and the asking prices are being revealed little by little. For defenseman, Jake McCabe, the Chicago Blackhawks have revealed a two-pronged asking price - full salary or retained salary.

The Blackhawks will be looking for a second round pick plus a B-level prospect if he's acquired at his full 4 million AAV. The price goes up if teams want the Blackhawks to retain half of his salary as they will be looking for a first round pick. McCabe isn't necessarily a household name but he is a very good defensive defenseman, has some offensive pop, and his analytical numbers have been through the roof this season when you also consider the fact that he's on one of the worst teams in hockey.

Frank Seravalli appeared on SN590 and said that the Toronto Maple Leafs have had their eye on McCabe for some time and with the injuries they went through this year on the backend, acquiring someone of McCabe's skillset and intangibles would only catapult the Leafs' chances in the post-season.

He currently has 2 goals and 13 points in 42 games and somehow sports a plus 5 rating. There are only 2 other players on the Blackhawks with a plus or even rating and they have combined for 4 games played. He averages 19:18 TOI and is coming off a career season last year where he scored 4 goals and 22 points.


The Leafs should strike for the defenseman, he's wanted by several teams and he would do wonders for them on the backend. When healthy they would be sporting Morgan Rielly, T.J. Brodie, Rasmus Sandin, Timothy Liljegren, and Mark Giordano as their top 5, imagine adding McCabe to the mix. They have the assets the Blackhawks are looking for, it all boils down to which trade they want to make - full salary or half.