“I like his feet and his competitiveness. Those are two things that stick out to me. He’s got really good feet and he’s a very competitive guy,” Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube said of Rifai on Jan. 31.
“Since I’ve been here from last year to this year, this guy has been extremely prepared. With some of these guys, you notice the little things: how early they get to the rink every day, and their preparation. He’s a good professional. He’s doing the right things.”
Rifai will get some playing time during the Olympic break while the Marlies continue their schedule Saturday and host the Springfield Thunderbirds.
Rifai is a physical presence on the Leafs’ blue line and could potentially be recalled to the NHL as the organization navigates the final 25 games of the year in an uphill battle to make the playoffs.
Rifai will get some valuable playing time with the Marlies and considering he has been called up several times by the Maple Leafs over the last two seasons, this could be a strategic move more than anything.
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