Observations:

June 2016 – The Buffalo Sabres resign Jake McCabe for three more years, worth $1.6 million per year. The length of the contract is key, keeping McCabe a RFA at the end of this contract in 2019. 

June 2016 – Jake finished his first full season in the NHL, short five games due to healthy scratches throughout the season. McCabe was paired with Zach Bogosian most of the year, playing over 60% of his even strength ice time was with Bogosian. He barely saw any powerplay time if any all season, but was able to record 14 points (4-10) at 5-on-5. With the acquisition of Dmitry Kulikov at the 2016 NHL Draft, McCabe likely won't see an increase in PP time and could see his 19 minutes of TOI/G cut down by a few minutes per game with Kulikov added to the depth chart. McCabe is currently a RFA and is looking to get a significant raise from his entry-level contract of $925,000.

September 2015 – Jake McCabe showed his poise and leadership at the Buffalo Prospects Challenge. McCabe only dressed for the second game, he tallied one assist and two shots on goal. His highlights were when he used his body to lay out two punishing hits on the Bruins prospects. Rochester Americans coach, Randy Cunneyworth, credited McCabe for turning the momentum in Buffalo’s favour in the third period. With the recent signing of Cody Franson, McCabe is likely to be one of the last cuts at Sabres training camp and will continue his leadership role with the Americans in the AHL. Paul Zwambag

March 2015 – After enjoying a taste of NHL action at the tail end of the 2014 NHL season after signing his entry-level deal with the Sabres, Jake McCabe, was able to prove to himself that he could play at hockey's pinnacle with the best of them. The Sabres like what they saw from their former second rounder, but based on additions to the roster over the summer and thinking about what's best for him and his development he was assigned to Rochester of the AHL to play a lead role. McCabe has taken the move in stride as he sits second on the team in points by defencemen and seventh overall with 27 points (5 goals, 22 assists) through 52 games played. Had it not been for a concussion suffered in a game versus the Utica Comets back on March 4th which has kept him out of action for nearly a month it would've likely be even more. At the time of his injury he was in the top 20 amongst both rookies and defencemen which is an impressive feat at the ripe old age of 21 especialyl considering Rochester has seen so much movement amongst it's top scorers whether because of trade or promotion. Hopefully McCabe will return to action soon but the Sabres are likely playing it safe with their prized rearguard as he looks the bit of a future difference maker for the long struggling franchise. He's worth a look and should be drafted in deeper leagues that have minor league players as he could be a future triggerman on the point feeding one of the McEichel combo. Travis Watson

May 2014 – McCabe will be suiting up in the 2014 IIHF World Championships for the United States. He was named as part of the preliminary roster for the US and he will be representing his country for the third time at the international stage. The Americans have come to Belarus with an extremely young squad but all have experienced great success along the way with six of the chosen players winning the World Junior Championships just last season. McCabe and company will look to add some silverware and prove that youth doesn't mean inexperienced. Travis Watson

April 2014 – Jake McCabe will forego his senior season and the University of Wisconsin after agreeing to a three-year entry-level contract with the Buffalo Sabres. There had been speculation that a signing was possible but no one other then Tim Murray the Sabres GM had any idea if a signing was on the horizon. The former World Junior captain and gold medalist for the United States leaves the Badgers program on a high note after being named to the Big Ten first team all while setting personal bests for goals(8), points(27) and penalty minutes(52) for a season. McCabe has a wealth of experience already at a young age and shouldn't need much time in the minors before he is ready. In fact he could push for a spot as early as next season with the rebuilding on in Buffalo. Travis Watson

November 2013 – The Wisconsin Badgers program has long been known for producing NHL players and McCabe looks to be another statistic to add to the pile. McCabe is already just one goal away from tying his career best of three with only six games played. He currently ranks first in team scoring for defencemen and second overall with his two goals and seven points. The cupboard seems to be stocked full of promising young defencemen prospects in Buffalo and they are clearly starting this rebuild by building up the backend first. Travis Watson

January 2012 – McCabe captained the U.S. to gold at the WJC and was named to the tournament all-star team. he was often on the ice against the opposing team's top forwards and held them in check. McCabe also contributed to the offense in a big way, with three goals and six points in the team's sevens contests. He will return to the University of Wisconsin to complete his sophomore season. Rich Dillon

December 2012 – McCabe is one of 27 players named to the Team USA preliminary roster for the WJC and is expected to be on the final roster.

May, 2012 – McCabe is a very solid defenseman who chooses the safe play most times. A very good skater, he had 12 points in 26 games as a freshman for Wisconsin. He was also one of the youngest college players in the country, with his 18^th birthday nearly coinciding with his first game as a Badger. McCabe missed some time with a severed tendon in his finger, but has recovered completely. While he doesn’t have great size, he uses it effectively and positions himself to his advantage in one-on one battles.

Fantasy Outlook: B

A very smart and responsible player, McCabe is a talented passer with an underrated shot who is capable of producing more offensively but projects as more of a two-way player.

Footage:

Jake McCabe finishes rush with great feed:

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