Maple Leafs make major roster move ahead of Florida Panthers matchup

Despite adding several defenseman at the trade deadline, the Toronto Maple Leafs have made an emergency roster move ahead of a huge matchup on Monday, recalling blue liner Marshall Rifai from the Toronto Marlies.

The 26-year old went undrafted out of the ECAC with Harvard University, but ultimately signed with the Maple Leafs last summer, and in two years with the Marlies, he's been very solid. In 118 games, the physical defenseman has tallied 6 goals and 33 points for a very good AHL squad, and in two games with the Maple Leafs this season, he's gone pointless, but has shown the potential to be a solid piece for any team he's on.

Now, the potential of playing a third NHL game seemingly rests on the shoulders of Morgan Rielly, who appears to be missing another game tonight with an upper body injury.

With the playoffs right around the corner, it makes sense if Toronto are looking to give veterans like Rielly and Mitch Marner as much time to recover as possible, as they have the experience and the talent to slot right back into the lineup whenever needed. However, the team sit just four points ahead of the Tampa Bay Lightning in the Atlantic Division race, so this is still a game they'll want to win, so anything could happen before puck drop tonight whether it's Rifai or Rielly.

Source: Hockey Patrol