Jim Hiller gives fringe defenseman his last chance against Matthew Knies & the Blue Jackets

Marshall Rifai is getting the call on Tuesday night as Jim Hiller decided to give the fringe blue liner one final chance to prove he belongs with the Maple Leafs.

As the Maple Leafs head into Columbus they are going to have a bit of momentum after they skated away with a 3-1 victory over the San Jose Sharks. It's going to be an intense battle beyond just an Eastern Conference tilt, as Matthew Knies and Kirill Marchenko play their first games against their respective former teams.

But the team is also going to be making a few lineup changes as they want to ensure they come away with a win, and we get to see William Nylander back on the first line after he was given a bit of a respite after dealing with an illness.

Marshall Rifai earns a shot over Nick Blankenburg vs. Columbus

Though if you were to take a look at the blue line, you'd see someone who managed to sneak their way in out of nowhere - Marshall Rifai:

Roslovic - Matthews - Nylander
Cowan - Paul - Marchenko
McKenna - Sissons - Letteri
Duhaime - Blueger - MacEwen

Rielly - Stecher
McCabe - Raddysh
Ekman Larsson - Rifai

Stolarz
Akhtyamov

Rifai was slotted in for Nick Blankenburg as the Maple Leafs try to add a bit more defensive help and someone who can aid in shutting down the Blue Jackets.

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Appearing in one game this season, Rifai has zero points, but did add three blocks and was a pretty solid hand if unspectacular. He's been a mainstay of the Marlies for the past several seasons and has never really gotten a real shot with the Maple Leafs - appearing in only four games since signing in 2024.

Tuesday could be the last time we see Rifai with the Maple Leafs

Already 28 years old, Rifai is running out of chances to make the NHL and stay there, and Hiller is giving him a prime opportunity to prove himself. He doesn't need to go crazy but he does need to show that he's a reliable depth option at the very least.

But if he doesn't impress then it's going to be extremely tough to justify keeping him. He's at this point just an AHL body in Toronto and while that's solid - he's going to be nearly 30. That is going to take a job away from a younger player, and if there's no chance of him coming up then they need to make a decision.

If he isn't a fit, then whatever deal they decide to make should include Rifai to give him a shot to earn time elsewhere and finally close the chapter in Toronto.

Tuesday night comes with a lot of pressure not only for the Maple Leafs but for Marshall Rifai because he can either earn another shot, or find himself never getting one again - it's all up to him.

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