Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman hit with one-game suspension
Photo credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images
Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Marshall Rifai is being hit with a stiff punishment following a fight with Simon Robertsson of the Springfield Thunderbirds.
Marshall Rifai has had a hard time getting opportunities with the Toronto Maple Leafs, as they continuously refuse to play him whenever he's a call-up.
At 27 years old, his opportunities are starting to run out, and it really does feel as though the team is giving him the run-around.
That said, certain incidents aren't exactly helping his case. For instance, the defenseman was suspended one game by the AHL on Saturday.
On Friday, the defenseman got into a fight with Simon Robertsson of the Springfield Thunderbirds and was considered the aggressor in the situation.
As a result, he was immediately given a 10-minute game misconduct. He was then suspended and will not be in action tonight against the Hartford Wolf Pack.
It is a tough go for Rifai and his team, who is in need of a full lineup in order to get through this difficult stretch of the AHL season.
Rifai is only going to have so many more chances to impress the Maple Leafs. If he doesn't get called up again, he could leave the team in the offseason.
The AHL is cruel like that. You can work hard, but sometimes, there just aren't any real places for you to get promoted.
Only time will tell whether or not Rifai can do what he needs to to have a lengthy career in the National Hockey League.
Given everything he has fought for, you cannot help but root for the guy.
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| POLL | ||
JANVIER 24|213 ANSWERS Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman hit with one-game suspension Do you believe Marshall Rifai deserved to be suspended? | ||
| YES | 102 | 47.9 % |
| NO | 111 | 52.1 % |
| List of polls | ||