Maple Leafs defenceman out long-term after wrist surgery
The Toronto Maple Leafs are going to be without one of their depth defenceman, as Marshall Rifai was hurt in their latest matchup against the Montreal Canadiens, and will undergo wrist surgery. The injury is expected to take Rifai out of the lineup for several months.
Rifai was hurt during a preseason game on Thursday night after playing less than five minutes of ice-time, recording one hit, and one shot on net. The Leafs were impressed with Rifai's jump during training camp and preseason, and his bulldog mentality to be aggressive and not afraid to lay some bone-crushing hits.
“He’s a big fan of Marshall Rifai” - people (talking about me)pic.twitter.com/GcvNdPKi39
— The North Team™️ (@tmlfaninvan) September 22, 2025
Rifai was called up on numerous occasions last season, but wasn't able to get into the lineup very much. This season could have been different, which is unfortunate timing for the 27-year-old blueliner. Rifai has just two games of NHL experience under his belt, which was back in the 2023-24 season.
After posting a career-high 19 points two years ago, Rifai scored three goals and 10 assists for 13 points during the 2024-25 season, registering a +9 in 63 games. In 189 career AHL regular-season games, he has collected nine goals and 39 assists for 48 points, with another five points coming in 10 Calder Cup Playoffs.
