Rifai played 9:40 during his lone appearance with the Maple Leafs this season, in a 3-2 shootout victory over the Vancouver Canucks. The 27-year-old has been considered a potential third-pair option at the NHL level, but he’s spent the majority of his year with the Marlies, recording four assists in 12 games. Rifai underwent wrist surgery to begin the year, after sustaining an injury during a preseason game against the Montreal Canadiens.
“I like his feet and competitiveness. Those are two things that stand out to me. He has really good feet, and he is a highly competitive guy,” Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube said of Rifai on January 31.
“Since I’ve been here from last year to this year, this guy is highly prepared. You notice the little things with some of these guys: how early they get to the rink every day, and their preparation. He is a good pro. He does all of the right things.”
During the Olympic break, Rifai will be afforded some playing time, as the Marlies continue their schedule Saturday, hosting the Springfield Thunderbirds.
Rifai is a physical presence on the Leafs’ blue line, and could potentially be recalled to the NHL, as the organization navigates the final 25 games of the year, in an uphill battle to make the playoffs.
“He had some games up with us last year and he worked so hard,” Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews said of Rifai during the 2024-25 training camp. “You can just see he wants it and continues to progress, and I’ve been pretty impressed with him and the way he plays hard on both sides of the puck.”
Rifai will get some valuable playing time with the Marlies and given that he’s been called up several times by the Maple Leafs over the past two seasons, this may be a strategic move more than anything.
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