Marshall Rifai

January 2025 – The Leafs clearly have an eye on Rifai as he’s been a call-up at times for the club, but hasn’t played a game. He’s a big, physical defenseman with good IQ, but his offense is average even at the AHL level. A call-up is probably his calling card, he looks more like a good top-four AHL defenseman, and at 26 expecting more would feel like giving false hope. Austin Kelly

February 2024 – With injuries, suspensions, and illness on the back-end, the Maple Leafs called Rifai up from the Marlies. The Canadian defenseman has been solid in the AHL this season, providing Toronto with a physical presence on the blueline who plays a simple game. His role while up with the Maple Leafs will be minimal but he has proven he can be effective in the right situation. Curtis Rines

July 2023 – Rifai has signed a two year, $775k AAV contract with Toronto. The 25-year-old defenseman was an NCAA undrafted free-agent who signed with Toronto on a AHL-deal for 2022-23. Last season, Rifai had four goals and 16 points in 69 AHL contests. He is still a long-shot to be a real contributor at the NHL level but his development has given him an extended look with the organization. Curtis Rines