Marshall Rifai is one step closer to returning to the Maple Leafs lineup. The Leafs have assigned him to a conditioning stint with the Marlies.
The Toronto Maple Leafs announced Tuesday that defenceman Marshall Rifai has been assigned to the Toronto Marlies on a conditioning loan. The 24-year-old has been sidelined since undergoing surgery following a preseason game against the Montreal Canadiens, and this assignment marks an important step in his return. Rifai is expected to suit up Saturday night against Belleville, and if all goes well, there is a real chance he could rejoin the Maple Leafs ahead of their matchup with the Pittsburgh Penguins on Tuesday.