Never mind what you may think of the rumoured deal reached between the Toronto Maple Leafs and their star defenseman Bryan McCabe (5yrs @ $29mil)—everyone will have their own opinion. But I think that the fact that he hasn't signed the deal yet doesn't not bode well for the Leafs...I think the damage has already been done. The question is, "By whom?"
Reports today speculate that Bryan's wife might be behind the delay:
"There have been reports that McCabe's wife Roberta, who gave birth to the couple's first child in September, has balked at her husband committing to five years away. Roberta is from Long Island and the couple make their off-season home there."*
Now I agree that family comes before everything else and so I don't blame Bryan for taking his time to make this decision. Unfortunately for him and his wife, I no longer see Toronto as an option for him.
You see, knowing Toronto sports fans—the way I think I do—even if McCabe did re-sign with Toronto. His wife would now be forever labelled by most fans as an unwanted meddler. We've seen it before with Lindros' Father, Vince Carter's mother, and Antonio Davis' wife. This city's sports fans can be unusually cruel and unsympathetic to a spouse or other family member who tries to get in the way of one of our sporting hero's careers. It's unfair I know, but unfortunately it's true.
Media and public pressure can become smothering in Toronto when it comes to sports and unfortunately, I could see a scenario whereby—if McCabe did re-sign in Toronto—the pressure would be so unrelenting that McCabe and his wife could end up separated or Bryan would give in and demand a trade before his obligation ended, but not before bad blood is spread between him, the organization and the fans. This is all-the-more compounded by rumours that Roberta McCabe suffered from postpartum depression after their last child. With no family nearby she is left with little support, having to answer to the media why she didn't want to be in Toronto for the umpteenth time on a slow news day, while the hubby is off on a 6-game western road-swing.
To make matters worse for Bryan, there doesn't seem to be much interest for his services from any of the 3 New York teams—at least not for the deal he can get in Toronto. Mind you, it is still early and Free agency doesn't begin until July. But in this new NHL, the salary cap might prevent either the Islanders, Rangers or Devils from committing $5 mil./year to a defenseman who's last name isn't Chara.
Given my theory that Bryan's days in Toronto are numbered, I can see this playing out in various ways: he signs with Toronto and then is traded to a New York area team; he signs only a 2-3 year deal with Toronto and tries for New York again later (not likely); he signs a deal with one of the New York teams for much less money and term.
Either way, I'd be surprised if we were to see Bryan wearing the Blue and White next season.
* Quote taken from article: "McCabe remains without a contract" from www.sportsnet.ca on June 7, 2006
I am attempting to contact Bryan and Roberta McCabe by e mail. They were my next door neighbors in Chicago when he was with the Blackhawks. Anyway, I moved first then they moved and we just sort of lost touch, unfortunately. With every hing, they have been through, I would very much like to contact them.
Sincerely,
Terry Wiegel
Posted by: Terry Wiegel | 2006.11.22 at 17:32
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