PITTSBURGH -- Jake McCabe learned how to act like a pro when Ron Rolston, now the Amerks' coach, guided him at the U.S. national development program. He hopes the lessons he's learning now at the University of Wisconsin teach him how to be a No. 1 defenseman in the NHL.
The Sabres selected McCabe in the second round of the NHL draft with the 44th overall pick, and they got a 6-foot, 195-pounder who is polished on and off the ice.
"I’m a two-way defenseman," McCabe said in Consol Energy Center. "I’m used in all situations. I’m comfortable in all situations. I think I’m a leader. I’m out there blocking shots for my teammates, and that’s what I enjoy doing. I think I’m a competitor. I’m at my best when I’m going out there and making a good first hit, good first shift, and I just want to be reliable in all situations: penalty kill, power play. I want to be able to comfortable eventually taking on a team’s top line."
For more from McCabe, click the audio file below.
---John Vogl
Getty Images photo: McCabe with Sabres GM Darcy Regier and owner Terry Pegula.
