What Happened
The Toronto Maple Leafs announced after Thursday's win over the New York Rangers that defenceman Marshall Rifai has a lower-body injury and is considered week-to-week. Rifai did not play against the Rangers. He had appeared in Tuesday's game against the Columbus Blue Jackets, where he scored his first career NHL goal. The 28-year-old has played two games this season and five in his NHL career.
Key Details
- Rifai is listed as week-to-week with a lower-body injury.
- The Maple Leafs announced the injury after beating the Rangers on Thursday.
- Rifai did not dress for the Rangers game.
- He scored his first NHL goal Tuesday against Columbus.
- Rifai has two appearances this season and five career NHL games.
What It Means
Rifai is a depth piece on Toronto's blue line, so his absence thins the club's defensive options rather than removing a regular. His two games this season and five career NHL appearances indicate a limited role, and the week-to-week designation leaves the Maple Leafs to cover his spot internally in the near term.
What's Next
Toronto returns to action Saturday against the Edmonton Oilers at 7 p.m. ET. The club has not given a more specific timeline beyond week-to-week.