Defenseman clears waivers, and the Maple Leafs now face an interesting decision

On Sunday, the Maple Leafs placed defenseman Marshall Rifai on waivers as a way to open up a little bit of cap and roster space as they looked to send him down to the AHL.

He was part of a group of other waived players and with Monday's 2PM deadline passing we now know their fates.

Rifai cleared waivers and was not claimed by any other team so the Maple Leafs will be able to assign him to the Toronto Marlies (AHL).

Rifai hadn't played yet this season after recovering from wrist surgery, however has been on the ice skating with the Maple Leafs and participating in practices but more so to get himself comfortable back on the ice as opposed to getting into a Leafs game.

The Harvard University product has 48 points in 190 games with the Toronto Marlies, and has skated in two games for the Maple Leafs where he recorded zero points in 11:40 TOI.

But it gives the Maple Leafs a couple of options now. With him recovered from surgery and getting back into the swing of things, he could translate a strong performance into a late-season call-up especially knowing that the Leafs have several injury prone defenseman.

He could also be part of a potential trade package as a team could look to see what he can offer as part of a redemption project and he's still young enough to make an impact; 27 seems old for a rookie but it's not unfeasible for him to be an everyday NHL player.

Rifai is a name that has been with the team for a long time now but not really given any chances with the big club. He wouldn't be a bad replacement for someone like Philippe Myers or Simon Benoit; especially if he can show he can step up defensively.

But for now, he will keep plying his trade with the Toronto Marlies and hoping for the time his name gets called and not just for a preseason game like every year.