The Bryan McCabe saga is becoming increasingly convoluted. Less than a week ago, mainstream media outlets reported a McCabe-to-Florida deal as all but done, with the Leafs' defenseman tentatively waiving his no-movement clause to uproot to South Florida pending his payout on an owed $2 million salary bonus.
Tuesday, Cliff Fletcher suggested to me via e-mail that McCabe is "still considering his options" and that the 33-year-old has not tentatively waived his NMC. At the same time, conversation continues to surround the specifics of a deal between the Maple Leafs and the Florida Panthers.
A source close to the ordeal suggests that McCabe may be starting to get cold feet due to the manner in which the situation has been handled. Its speculated that McCabe has grown sensitive to the amount of information disclosed to the press and concerned about the potential media burn and fallout. Other reports suggest the Florida Panthers aren't pleased about the amount of leakage in that some uneasiness is permeating the Panthers' organization.
While a deal appears to be complete, or close to complete in principle, Fletcher is making it clear that the ball remains in McCabe's court in that he still holds the ultimate decision making power.
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