Blackhawks sign Jake McCabe to 4-year pact

The Chicago Blackhawks inked unrestricted free-agent defenseman Jake McCabe to a four-year contract carrying an average annual value of $4 million, the club announced Wednesday.

McCabe missed most of the 2021 season after hurting his right knee in February.

The 27-year-old said Wednesday he has "zero concerns" about the injury, according to The Athletic's Mark Lazerus.

McCabe was an underrated, steady rearguard for Buffalo in recent years. The Wisconsin-born blue-liner posted a 61.97 expected goals for percentage over 13 games in 2021.

He played all eight of his previous campaigns with the Sabres, who drafted him 44th overall in 2012.