The Toronto Maple Leafs have recalled forward Nikita Grebenkin and have assigned Marshall Rifai to the AHL’s Toronto Marlies.

Grebenkin did not register a point in seven games with the Maple Leafs, while recording four goals and 10 points with the Marlies. He was rendered a healthy scratch for Saturday’s loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Rifai has not played a game with the Maple Leafs, factoring in as the team’s No. 8 defenceman. He has recorded two goals and four points with the Marlies. The 26-year-old played two games with the Maple Leafs during the 2023-24 campaign and did not register a point. Rifai was lauded for his excellent training camp this fall and could be a potential call-up again, if the Maple Leafs continue to deal with injuries throughout the year.

Grebenkin will likely factor into a fourth line role as the Maple Leafs await Bobby McMann’s return from injury. He emerged as an ascending prospect throughout training camp as general manager Brad Treliving and head coach Craig Berube covet his combination of size, speed and physicality. Grebenkin was previously sent down to the Marlies on Tuesday, as the Maple Leafs recalled Max Domi from injured reserve.

The 21-year-old was quickly becoming a fan favourite when his post-game interview from his NHL debut went viral, after he told reporters that he’s been instructed ‘backcheck, forecheck and paycheque!’ which has doubled as an effective description of his playing style.

Toronto has faced several injuries to its forward corps as McMann, David Kampf and Calle Jarnkrok are still fighting through long-term ailments. Despite the wave of injuries, Toronto remains firmly competitive in the Atlantic Division, trailing the defending Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers by two points, prior to Thursday’s game against the Anaheim Ducks.

We’ll update this story as more details emerge.