Blade of Steel has no direct affiliation to the Toronto Maple Leafs, NHL or NHLPA
Maple Leafs send promising defenseman back to the Marlies, but there's a catch
Photo credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images
The Toronto Maple Leafs have gone through plenty of defensemen this season, and one of them is currently on his way back down to the Toronto Marlies.
During the preseason, Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Marshall Rifai suffered a nasty wrist injury, which landed him on the long-term injured reserve.
While the Maple Leafs typically keep Rifai in the AHL, the defenseman was kept on the NHL roster so that he could go on LTIR and help out with the salary cap situation.
Over the past couple of weeks, Rifai has been ramping up his ice time at practice with the hopes of eventually playing some games with either the Leafs or the Marlies.
Well, it appears as though Rifai is finally getting his wish, although he won't be living it to the fullest extent, as he must first go back down to the AHL.
Marshall Rifai goes back to the Toronto Marlies
According to the Toronto Maple Leafs' public relations account on X, Rifai is going to the Toronto Marlies for what is being described as a conditioning stint.
This means Rifai must play some games in the NHL before the Leafs decide to bring him up. Seeing as though this is a conditioning stint, there is still a chance the Leafs call Rifai up.
The Maple Leafs have had numerous injuries to their defensemen this season, so it makes sense that they would want to have Rifai in their back pocket.
Marshall Rifai's history with the Toronto Maple Leafs
Rifai was an undrafted free agent out of Harvard University, who has spent most of his time with the organization as a member of the Toronto Marlies.
At 27 years old, he has only played two games with the Leafs, both of which were during the 2023-24 season. He has a bright future, but time is running out for him to make an impression with the Leafs.
Having said that, there are plenty of fans out there who would love to see him get an opportunity with the Leafs. Whether or not it ever happens, remains to be seen.