McCabe was injured after taking a puck to the head. With his return, the Toronto Maple Leafs' defense is close to full health. The Toronto Maple Leafs announced on their X account Thursday morning that forward Nikita Grebenkin has been recalled, while defenseman Marshall Rifai has been sent down. Grebenkin was sent down Tuesday afternoon when the club activated Max Domi from injured reserve. After missing three weeks with a lower-body injury, Domi returned to play on the wing of the team's third line and logged 14:57 of ice time. Rifai was called up on Dec. 2 when Jani Hakanpaa was placed on injured reserve following a minor procedure on his ailing knee. With defenseman Jake McCabe expected to return soon from an upper-body injury, having Rifai around doesn't make much sense since it's likely he isn't going to see any game action. Toronto also waived Alex Nylander on Wednesday, which will make room for Grebenkin to return. Grebenkin has played seven games with the Leafs this season while averaging 8:45 of ice time. Forward Bobby McMann has been out since Nov. 30 with a lower-body injury. He did not join the Leafs on their two-game road trip in Pittsburgh and New Jersey. The Leafs are scheduled for a full morning skate Thursday after taking Wednesday off, and their lineup against the Anaheim Ducks should become clear afterward. To be updated...
