Toronto Maple Leafs place 27-year-old defenseman on waivers

Earlier today, the Toronto Maple Leafs sent Henry Thrun back down to the Toronto Marlies following a brief stint in the NHL.

Hours later, the Leafs went on to make another roster move involving their defensemen. Marshall Rifai was spending some time with the Toronto Marlies as part of a conditioning stint upon returning from injury.

Today, the Leafs opted to put the 27-year-old defenseman on waivers. Now, the Leafs will have to wait and see whether or not anyone claims him.

If not, Rifai will return to the Toronto Marlies, where he has spent the vast majority of his time with the Maple Leafs organization.

Rifai has only played two games with the Toronto Maple Leafs over the past few years, and it's been unfortunate to see the lack of opportunity.

The Maple Leafs haven't been able to get him onto the roster, and it's been sad to see, especially since the defenseman has talent.

Marshall Rifai could be claimed by any team in the NHL that needs him, although there is no guarantee that he ends up in a new home.

If the Leafs aren't going to give him opportunities, maybe it would be best for everyone if he were able to go somewhere that will actually play him.

Playing in the NHL is a dream for a lot of players, and with the Leafs putting Rifai on the back burner, a new team could help really kick his career into gear.

Hopefully, for Rifai, the opportunities are going to start coming for him, sooner rather than later.