NHL insider Darren Dreger revealed some important information regarding the status of injured Maple Leafs defenseman Jake McCabe, who went down yesterday. While recording a 3-2 victory over the Philadelphia Flyers on Sunday, the Toronto Maple Leafs took an unwelcome blow with their defender Jake <a href='https://www.tsn.ca/radio/toronto-1050/dreger-on-jake-mccabe-s-health-status-if-defered-money-will-be-more-common-in-the-nhl-after-the-vatrano-contract-fall-out-from-canada-s-early-exit-at-the-world-juniors-1.2230552' class='lien_marqueur' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>McCabe leaving the game due to an injury during the first period</a> of the said match. The 31-year-old veteran suffered a head injury after hitting the ice during a fight with Garnet Hathaway, raising worries among fans and the organization. <div align='center' class='pl20 pr20'><blockquote class='twitter-tweet' data-lang='en'><a href='https://twitter.com/Sportsnet/status/1876068266910896540'> </a></blockquote></div> The Maple Leafs, already battling injuries this season, can't afford to lose Jake McCabe, who ranks third in average ice time among Toronto's defensemen. With it not certain how much time McCabe will miss, NHL insider Darren Dreger did say on TSN 1050 that the defenseman could be out for a little bit. It looks like (McCabe will miss time), Dreger said. That was the expectation as of (Sunday) night. He had to go through protocol and it looked pretty obvious that it was a head-related injury. You can see that his head bounced off the ice. The suspicion last night was that it was concussion-related but he requires more evaluation. <div align='center' class='pl20 pr20'><blockquote class='twitter-tweet' data-lang='en'><a href='https://twitter.com/FirstUp1050/status/1876282423085797442'> </a></blockquote></div> While it's likely a concussion, Darren Dreger noted McCabe was also kicked in the groin during the scuffle, adding another potential factor to his absence. We might not get true details today, Dreger said. If Craig Berube is available, chances are he's going to say that more testing is required or that (McCabe) is 'day-to-day' because that's all he knows in the moment. It's the second concussion scare in just over a month for <a href='https://www.hockeylatest.com/nhl-team/toronto-maple-leafs/maple-leafs-announce-a-major-status-change-for-max-pacioretty-and-jake-mccabe' class='lien_marqueur' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>McCabe, who missed time in early December after taking a puck to the head against Tampa Bay</a>. The Leafs are hoping his current recovery won't be as long. McCabe has been a regular presence on the Toronto back end this season. He's notched one goal, 10 assists, 72 hits, and 68 blocked shots in 37 games while sporting a plus-10 rating. The Leafs acquired him from Buffalo in February of 2023, and <a href='https://www.hockeylatest.com/nhl-team/toronto-maple-leafs/maple-leafs-sign-jake-mccabe-to-a-huge-contract-extension' class='lien_marqueur' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>he's since signed a seven-year deal worth $22.55 million</a>. With <a href='https://www.nhl.com/mapleleafs/player/jake-mccabe-8476931' class='lien_marqueur' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>McCabe</a> out, Toronto's defensive pairings will be altered. Conor Timmins can again join the team's lineup. Jani Hakanpaa is close to returning from a lower-body injury. The Leafs could also bring in a left-side defenseman from the AHL such as Cade Webber or Mikko Kokkonen. The Toronto Maple Leafs will look for their fourth consecutive victory Tuesday night when they take on Philadelphia again, this time at Wells Fargo Center.