Why the Maple Leafs Called Up Marshall Rifai and Why He’s Likely to Make His NHL Debut Against Blues

The 25-year-old signed a two-year, two-way deal with the Maple Leafs this past summer after one season with the Marlies. His rookie year might've had a couple of ups and downs, but Rifai was able to showcase what he's able to do best.

"One of the great things every year is when guys come in here and are able to convert those contracts from American League to NHL," Leafs assistant GM and Marlies GM Ryan Hardy said at the beginning of the year.

Entering this season, Hardy was looking for Rifai to take another step. One where the defenseman is making clean decisions with the puck and continuing to gain confidence.

"I think if he can do that with all the things that he has in the six-foot-two frame that he has, there really certainly is a prospect there," Hardy said.

Throughout this season, Rifai has spent time playing all throughout the Marlies defense, whether it's top pair, second pair, or on the bottom pairing. He's a strong player who uses his skating to gain advantage on his opponent. Rifai also cares for his teammates immensely, doing whatever's needed to protect them.

"His skating is world-class, he's a competitive guy, he has incredible passion for hockey, incredible passion for getting better at hockey," Hardy added. "He spends a lot of time focused on his nutrition, a ton of time focused on what he's doing in the gym with his body."

Rifai might not be the biggest point-getter, only scoring two goals and nine assists in 34 games this season. But, he's strong in his own end, physical, and can move the puck up ice, which makes him an important defenseman in the Maple Leafs organization.

"He's got some NHL attributes to him," Maple Leafs head coach Sheldon Keefe said on Sunday. "He skates extremely well, moves around the ice, closes space very well. He's physical, a competitor, so there's attributes there that you really like.

"With the uncertainty with our defensemen we have right now, you need an extra body. The organization felt that he was the guy that made sense."

It's yet to be seen whether Rifai will get in the lineup for Toronto's matinee matchup against the Blues in St. Louis. But with Giordano and Rielly out of the lineup, and William Lagesson injured (he's day-to-day, but "not ruled out for tomorrow," per Keefe), it remains a possibility that the now-NHL rookie makes his debut on Monday afternoon.

"When you need a guy, which we need a guy right now, and opportunities present itself, that he's done a good job to prepare himself for this call."