Sportsnet reports:
The Toronto Maple Leafs and defenceman Bryan McCabe are closing in on a new multi-year deal that will make McCabe the highest paid blueliner on the hockey club.

McCabe was reportedly after a $25 million contract over the length of 5 years and sources are telling Sportsnet that will surpass the $5 million he was seeking on an annual basis.

It also believed McCabe will get a no movement clause in the deal that won't allow the team to trade him or put him on waivers.

The deal will avoid McCabe from becoming an unrestricted free agent July 1st.
_______________________________________________________________________
Toronto Maple Leaf's have either made a big mistake, or a big ... well contract.
Bryan Mccabe and Tomas Kaberle are possibly the best defencive pairing in the NHL today said Don Cherry himself. It was speculated that Mccabe might be moving backing to the Islanders seeing as his wife is currently resiging in New York.
Last season Mccabe finished a very respectable 53rd overall in scoreing and 3rd overall amoung defencemen behind Sergei Zubo and Nicklas Lidstrom posting 68 points, 19 Goals, and 49 assist. Keep in mind Mccabe finished just 12 points behind Lidstrom missing 7 more games that may have resulted in the difference.
If this is what the Toronto Maple Leaf's are going for. They got it. The Leaf's cap space has now been closed in 5 mill and they must decide what to do with rookies, and players like Wade Belak who dont produce. The Leaf's also must decide who they need and who they can get. And whether or not to re-sign players like Allison and Lindros who are at risk of taking and injury.

-For SportsNation, I'm James Macarthur.