The Maple Leafs have enacted two roster adjustments ahead of their upcoming game against Buffalo on Saturday. Winger Mitch Marner has been moved to LTIR retroactively from March 7 for what the team describes as roster management reasons. This move has allowed them to create ample salary cap room to summon defenseman Marshall Rifai from AHL Toronto.
Marner has been sidelined since March 7 due to an ankle injury, posing a notable setback to Toronto’s lineup. Before his injury, the 26-year-old was performing admirably, amassing 25 goals and 51 assists in 62 games. His point-per-game production had positioned him well to potentially reach the coveted 100-point milestone, having narrowly missed it in the past two seasons.
Under LTIR regulations, a player must sit out for ten games and 24 days before becoming eligible for reactivation. Marner will meet both criteria after Saturday’s game, with the 24-day threshold occurring on Sunday. It was confirmed on Friday that Marner is anticipated to return to practice by Tuesday, and this roster move won’t disrupt those plans.
Meanwhile, Rifai receives his second call-up of the season after a brief stint with the Maple Leafs in February, where he made his NHL debut with two appearances. The 26-year-old has primarily featured for the Marlies in the minors this season, tallying 17 points across 49 games.
Toronto’s defensive corps has been plagued by injuries lately, with Morgan Rielly, Joel Edmundson, and Timothy Liljegren nursing various ailments. Rifai’s recall appears to provide insurance in case another experienced defenseman is unable to suit up against the Sabres.
