It's confirmed for Marshall Rifai and the Toronto Maple Leafs

Marshall Rifai started the season with the Toronto Marlies on LTIR after injuring his wrist during the NHL's preseason action.

Quite frankly, Rifai was only with the Maple Leafs because they wanted to take advantage of the cap space that LTIR would create for them. After all, prior to this season, Rifai had only played two games with the Leafs' franchise.

Upon return from injury, Rifai was sent down to the Toronto Marlies for a conditioning stint. However, the team would have to put him on waivers eventually if they wanted to keep him in the AHL.

On Sunday, that is exactly what they did. Just moments ago, it was revealed that Rifai cleared waivers, which means he is going to the Marlies.

Rifai has had a tough go of things as of late. From the injury to start the season to being demoted back to the AHL, it has been tough for him to find his footing.

Overall, Rifai is a solid player, but it just feels like the Leafs don't have plans for him right now, and it doesn't feel like that is going to change, either.

All Rifai can do now is put his best foot forward and hope that his hard work is rewarded with a job on the Leafs when some d-men get injured.

At this time, the Leafs are simply going to have to take a wait-and-see approach with Rifai. If he signs somewhere else in the offseason, then so be it.

This can't be an easy situation for any player, especially when you consider how the dream is to always make the NHL.

Hopefully, Rifai can use this as motivation to go out and become someone the Maple Leafs have no choice but to promote.