The Toronto Maple Leafs got some tough news on the injury front. Defenseman Marshall Rifai sustained a wrist injury in Saturday’s 7-2 victory over the Montreal Canadiens. The preseason blowout win was a costly one as Rifai left the game early and did not return.
On Friday, Mark Masters confirmed that Rifai will need surgery to repair the injury. The prognosis is unknown at this time.
The injury is a tough break for the 27-year-old blueliner. He was in the mix for a depth defenseman role after signing a two-year deal this summer. While he wasn’t projected to make the top-six defense group, Rifai has played well enough to be in the running for the seventh or eighth defenseman roles.
Rifai, who signed as an undrafted free agent with the Maple Leafs in 2023, scored three goals and 13 points in 63 games with the AHL Marlies last season. He appeared in two games for the big club in the 2023-24 season, failing to register a point.
This preseason, Rifai has played well enough to insert himself into the conversation. Rifai could have pushed someone like Simon Benoit for a spot on the main team. The Maple Leafs are also looking to bolster depth with Henry Thrun and Dakota Mermis also in the mix for depth roles this season.
The injury setback could have cost Rifai a shot at making the team this season. Perhaps he’ll get another look once he returns to the ice.
Maple Leafs Dark Horse Candidates to Hit Blue Line
The Athletic looked at three dark horse candidates to make the Maple Leafs’ blue line this season. In a September 18 piece, James Mirtle identified veteran Matt Benning, Mermis, and Rifai as players having an outside shot at making the team.
Benning, in particular, is an interesting name. He came over last season in the Timothy Liljegren trade. Benning was a good soldier, playing most of the season in the AHL. He didn’t get a shot at the NHL, but looks like a solid depth defender if called upon.
As for Mermis and Rifai, they could be on the bubble to make the team. Rifai, of course, won’t be available for the foreseeable future. But that does leave Mermis as an interesting choice. He’s a strong defender who doesn’t offer much offensive upside. But considering the number of defensemen needed each season, Mermis could be a great option in a shutdown role.
Fans shouldn’t be surprised to see Benning and Mermis among the final Maple Leafs’ cuts. While they could make the team, the cap will determine if that’s the case.
Toronto Likely Won’t Make Blueline Moves Just Yet
Overall, the Toronto Maple Leafs’ blue line looks pretty much set at this point. The only question marks remain on the final configuration, including the depth options. So, there likely won’t be any moves coming for now.
Fans should keep an eye on the waiver wire. The Maple Leafs might be looking to pick someone up as a depth option for the Marlies. Beyond that, the team is most probably in a holding pattern. As the season unfolds, the team will have a clearer picture of which players might become available.
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