After seven seasons in Toronto, Bryan McCabe is on his way out of the unofficial hockey capital of the world and on his way to South Florida. To McCabe, the move will come as a breath of fresh air. McCabe waved his no trade clause so he could be traded to Florida. The trade was rumored last month but was put on hold because of a $2 million signing bonus the Leafs owed McCabe that was due September 1st. After the bonus was paid the trade was finalized. The Leafs received Mike Van Ryn and a fourth round pick in exchange for McCabe but more importantly for them they were able to dump his 5.75 cap hit for the next three seasons. South Florida could be a blessing for the 33-year-old McCabe as he escapes the mass media in Toronto to play in the relaxed atmosphere of Miami. McCabe should benefit from a fresh start in Florida. Mike Ribeiro, who was in a similar situation a couple of years ago with the Canadiens, rejuvenated his career after he was traded out of Montr?al to the Dallas Stars at the trade deadline. McCabe hopes to do the same with the Panthers. ?It gives us some more offense from our back end,? Florida Panthers general manager Jacques Martin said in a statement to the media. ?Bryan brings experience. When you look back at his time in Toronto, his ability to play on the power play, his shot, and in the dressing room he brings some leadership skill to help a lot of our younger defensemen.? The Panthers? Defense will take on a new look this season as McCabe will join the newly acquired Nick Boynton and Keith Ballard on the Panthers? blueline. The Panthers finished 29th in the NHL in shots against, 33.6 per game, so the additions are much needed. With the revamped defensive corps and continued development of their young stars, the Panthers look to improve on their 85 point performance of a year ago. The Panthers finished nine points out of a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference last season; they hope the additions can put them in the position to make a serious playoff push this year. The trade for McCabe could be a message to Jay Bouwmeester and Panthers? fans that they are serious about contending. Bowumeester, who is the cornerstone of the young Panthers, signed a one year deal this summer making him an unrestricted free agent after the season. Could the signing of McCabe make Bouwmeester consider signing a long term deal to stay in South Florida? The Panthers hope so. In Florida the goal is to win the Cup, but let's get real; the playoffs will exceed expectations. McCabe was the scapegoat in Toronto because of his huge contact. Every move he made was scrutinized and second guessed. In Florida he will have the opportunity to play his game and concentrate on hockey and not the outside distractions which troubled him in Toronto.