Overview

• Head coach Craig Berube confirmed Rifai requires wrist surgery and offered no return timeline, saying he will be out for a while.
• Rifai left Thursday’s game against the Canadiens in the first period after a hit from Joshua Roy and did not return.
• Because his contract is one-way, he will open on regular injured reserve with his cap charge counting unless he later qualifies for long-term injured reserve after 10 games or 24 days.
• Rifai has primarily played with the AHL Marlies, has two prior NHL games, and signed a two-year extension in September 2024 that begins this season.
• Toronto’s top six on defense is set, so his absence affects depth decisions and waiver dynamics among contenders such as Henry Thrun, Philippe Myers, and Dakota Mermis.