Leafs defenseman nearing return following wrist surgery

Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Marshall Rifai has been sent to the American Hockey League on a conditioning stint as he works towards a return.

Rifai was injured in the preseason for Toronto against the Montreal Canadiens, appearing to take place after a hit from Canadiens forward Joshua Roy.

Rifai underwent wrist surgery and was placed on long-term injured reserve, having resumed skating late in November alongside fellow injured Leaf Chris Tanev, with Rifai upgraded from a no-contact to regular jersey last Friday.

The 27-year-old Rifai had three goals and 13 points in 63 games last season in the AHL with the Toronto Marlies, having last played in the NHL in two games in 2023-24.

The thin Toronto Maple Leafs defensive core could set up Marshall Rifai to make his first NHL game of the season, and his first appearance in two years.

Rifai will begin in the American Hockey League, but him being on a conditioning stint indicates that what will be the purpose of him is still undecided.

Potentially, Rifai could be placed on waivers and sent down to the AHL permanently if he clears, unless he's claimed by another team.

Or, Rifai could find himself brought back up to a Leafs roster needing some defensive security with the absences of Tanev and Brandon Carlo.

Rifai could slot into the lineup in place of youngster Henry Thrun, who is already able to be sent down to the AHL, meaning Rifai could slot into the Leafs lineup and give time before any sort of waiver decision.

For now, Toronto will use the loan as a way to get Rifai back into game action, but the real intrigue will be in the coming days if Rifai slots into the Leafs lineup.