The Blackhawks’ defensive makeover continued with the signing of defensive defenseman Jake McCabe as free agency opened Wednesday.
McCabe, 27, inked a four-year contract with sizable $4 million cap hit. The Wisconsin native and University of Wisconsin product had spent his entire career until this summer with the Sabres, tallying 77 points in 353 games.
The Hawks also added depth forward Jujhar Khaira, a 26-year-old formerly of the Oilers, on a two-year contract with a $975,000 cap hit.
McCabe’s defensive results with the Sabres were generally excellent. He recorded 517 blocked shots and 522 hits during his time there, and his analytics were even more impressive.
From 2018 to 2021, he ranked fourth among regular Sabres in scoring chances allowed per minute (at even-strength), fourth in shot attempts allowed per minute and third in expected goals allowed per minute.
But McCabe’s health is a concern as he comes off major knee surgery in February, which ended his 2021 season prematurely and included a projected six-to-eight-month recovery time — meaning he could fully recover in August or could need until October.
The Hawks’ defense may look unrecognizable this coming season outside of stalwart Connor Murphy.
Nikita Zadorov (traded to the Flames earlier Wednesday), Duncan Keith (traded to the Oilers) and Adam Boqvist (traded to the Blue Jackets) are out, and the Hawks are also reportedly shopping Calvin de Haan. Coming in so far are McCabe, Seth Jones and Caleb Jones.
Khaira, meanwhile, accumulated 63 points in 258 games over the past six seasons in Edmonton, including 11 in 40 games last season. He’s a physical presence with a big body (6-4, 213 pounds) who struggles with speed but can grind on the fourth line.
