Maple Leafs Confirm Roster Move as Key Player Set to Return to Action
The Toronto Maple Leafs made a roster move on Wednesday that is a huge step forward toward the return of one of their most crucial contributors.
It's been a rough stretch for the Toronto Maple Leafs over the past week. From Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner's minus-6 game against Carolina, a 3-0 shutout loss to Vancouver, and an abysmal showing versus Dallas, they've been outscored 13-4 and slowly losing their grip on the Atlantic Division.
With Toronto facing off against New Jersey on Thursday and Montreal on Saturday, two teams who are riding different waves of momentum; New Jersey is fighting for Metropolitan dominance, meanwhile Montreal is only five points out of third spot in the Atlantic.
The Leafs need everyone to get their act together, and while they may not have all the pieces they need, one roster move made on Wednesday signals one key piece could be back in a game or two.
Marshall Rifai's Demotion Leads Way For Jake McCabe's Return
It was more of the same for Rifai, as the defenseman has been the proverbial call-up whipping boy. Often brought up in case of emergency, he has yet to play for the Maple Leafs this season, and barring any catastrophes, more than likely won't.
He'll head back to the Marlies as Toronto opens up a roster spot for the very much needed return of defenseman Jake McCabe, and boy, could the team use him right about now.
It seems that since McCabe was injured against the Flyers on Jan. 5, the team lost their entire defensive identity. It goes to show just how important McCabe is to the fabric of the Leafs, and they need him back more than ever.
This season, he's formed a fantastic shutdown pairing with free agent signing Chris Tanev, being one of the NHL's best duos.
Combining relentless shot blocking with bone crunching hits and creating chaos for opponents, McCabe has earned every bit of his 4-year contract extension he signed earlier this year.
This season McCabe has been both outstanding defensively but also has a bit of an offensive touch too. He has one goal and 10 assists but has added 68 blocks and 72 hits before he went down.
Toronto will need McCabe back soon, and while it might be too soon to have him play Thursday against New Jersey, but in a must win game against their greatest rivals, look to the Maple Leafs defenseman to suit up, and make the impact the team needs.
