"Rifai played his first game of the season on Saturday with the Marlies in a 4-3 win over the Utica Comets, earning the player of the game belt for making his season debut. Last year with the Marlies, Rifai had three goals and 10 assists in 63 games played. After he was placed on a conditioning loan, there was speculation about whether Rifai would be appearing with the Maple Leafs soon, but now it appears that's on hold, at least for the time being."
"Rifai may not have the NHL experience to prove it, but he plays the style of game that Berube and most head coaches appreciate. He's sturdy, he works his tail off, he's strong defensively and he'll stick up for his teammates. He won't provide much in the way of offence, but he's not the type of player you'll see the camera pan to after a bad goal against and you won't hear his name that often."
Rifai made his season debut with the Toronto Marlies, earning player-of-the-game honors in a 4-3 win over the Utica Comets. He recorded three goals and 10 assists in 63 Marlies games last season. A conditioning loan prompted speculation about a Maple Leafs recall, but that possibility is on hold; if he clears waivers he will continue with the Marlies and receive larger minutes while aiming to return to the NHL. He measures 6-foot-2 and 211 pounds and is described as sturdy, hard-working, defensively reliable and willing to stand up for teammates. He played two NHL games in February 2024 and is on the first year of a two-year extension with a $775,000 annual cap hit.
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