Toronto Maple Leafs blueline situation has another wrinkle added as Leafs sign defenseman

On Thursday, Toronto announced via X that they had signed defenseman Marshall Rifai to a one-way contract for the next two years beginning in 2025-26.

He's signed for a very cheap $775,000 per season, so the cap hit isn't as strong for some insurance depth at the back end. Rifai registered 2 goals and 17 assists last year for the Marlies while adding 3 goals and an assist in the playoffs. Standing at 6'2 and weighing 206 pounds, he fits the mould of head coach Craig Berube's gameplan and mindset, and would provide yet another big body for the team.

Given the absolute debacle that is the Jani Hakanpaa situation, Toronto needed to add some type of insurance for their main squad and they believe Rifai is the man needed for the job. While he will definitely see time with the Marlies, and need to find a way to make an impact in camp to make the squad opening night; he will definitely get a hard look during the preseason.

Source: HockeyDB
Marshall Rifai Statistics