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The Toronto Maple Leafs are bringing a new defenseman on their road trip


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Alexander Cole
January 28, 2026  (6:29 PM)
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Sep 25, 2023; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Marshall Rifai (83) goes to pass the puck during warm up before a game against the Ottawa Senators at Scotiabank Arena.
Photo credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images

The Toronto Maple Leafs are embarking on a four-game road trip, which begins on Thursday, and will start with a game against the Seattle Kraken.

If you have been paying attention to the Toronto Maple Leafs as of late, you know that they are struggling mightily in all facets of the game.
Overall, the team has been hard to watch, and it is clear that if they want to make the postseason, they are going to have to try something new.
Earlier today, the team found out that Dakota Mermis had cleared waivers. Now, Mermis is going back to the Toronto Marlies with Henry Thrun.
This has opened up a spot for another defenseman to come in and get an opportunity. As it turns out, the Leafs are taking advantage.

Marshall Rifai joins the Toronto Maple Leafs

According to reporter Joshua Kloke, the Maple Leafs have decided to bring defenseman Marshall Rifai on their four-game road trip.
This road trip will officially begin on Thursday, January 29th, when the Leafs will travel to Seattle to take on the Kraken.
Rifai has played two games with the Toronto Maple Leafs over the past few years and has been unable to get a real deal opportunity.
Quite frankly, it is now or never for Rifai, who is 27 years old, and isn't going to stay with an organization that won't give him an opportunity.
There have been numerous times this season when the Leafs have allowed Rifai to watch from the press box, without getting him on the ice.
With the team's latest struggles, it might just be time to try something new and give the guy a shot, once and for all.
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The Toronto Maple Leafs are bringing a new defenseman on their road trip

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