New Panthers defenseman Bryan McCabe, who spent the previous seven seasons in Toronto. (Getty Images)

By Dave Joseph for floridapanthers.com

There’s an old story about Bryan McCabe that bears repeating, and it dates back to elementary school.

McCabe was asked to write a book report in the sixth grade about what he wanted to be when he grew up. McCabe chose a hockey player. He did all the work, researched salaries and career longevity. A fine piece of work. And when he handed it in?

“The teacher wouldn’t take it,” McCabe recalled. “She said it wasn’t a real job.”

McCabe laughed Tuesday afternoon reflecting on the incident while he settled into his new life as a member of the Florida Panthers. “She was actually right,” added the 33-year-old. “It’s something we all love to do that we get paid for.”

For McCabe, who’s played 917 NHL games over 12 seasons, the love of the game now shifts to South Florida and the uniform of the Panthers, who acquired the feisty defenseman from Toronto, along with a fourth-round pick in the 2010 NHL entry draft in exchange for defenseman Mike Van Ryn.

McCabe, who has spent the past seven seasons in Toronto, was upbeat Tuesday about working with the Panthers mix of promising young players and experienced veterans.

“I’m excited about coming here,” McCabe said. “There’s a great group of young guys here and a good mix of talent.”

Panther GM Jacques Martin described McCabe as a “big, strong, hard-hitting defenseman who also possesses the ability to be a goal scorer and play on special teams.”

“He will be counted on to play an integral role on our defense and to help bring future success to our franchise.”

McCabe Highlights
- Goals Throughout Career  - SNAPSHOT: '07-08 Season

In 2003-04, McCabe had 16 goals (eight on the power play) and 37 assists and finished fourth in Norris Trophy voting as the league’s most valuable defenseman. In 2005-06, he had a career-high 19 goals (13 power play) and 49 assists. He also ranked first in the NHL in average ice time (28:17). In 2006-07, McCabe had 15 goals (11 power play) and 42 assists.

McCabe was set back last season, missing 22 games from Dec. 16 through Feb. 6, with a hand injury. He had a career-high, four point game (one goal, three assists) – including his 300th career assist – March 6 in Boston.

Voted a second-team All-Star in 2003-04, McCabe was coached by Martin as a member of Team Canada in the 2006 Olympics in Turin.

“Jacques was the ‘D’ coach (at the Olympics) so I got to spend some time with him,” McCabe said. “Jacques went out of his way to bring me here and I’m happy to be wanted. Jacques has done a great job (in Florida). He’s got good young talent. And, obviously, the acquisitions this summer have been great.

“Bringing in Cory Stillman, a guy with two Stanley Cups…guys like that are few and far between. And the acquisitions of (Keith) Ballard and (Nick) Boynton is a big upside. With myself added, and Jay Bouwmeester, who is one of the best defensemen in the league, hands down, I think we have one of the best defensive units out there. Plus you have an All-Star goalie.”

McCabe, who is good friends with Panther winger and former Toronto teammate Wade Belak, said he hopes to join some of the Panthers skating and working out at IncredibleIce later this week or next week.