Leafs make a call up from the Marlies

This call up could be a number of things. A cap move to maximize LTIR space is doubtful because Muzzin has already been placed on LTIR. Clifford is on a one-way deal, so it's not a move to get him a few days worth of NHL pay like we've seen the Leafs do with call ups before.

Is this move being made in preparation of a trade which will send one of the Leafs' current roster forwards out? It very well could be. Dubas may want to fill Jake Muzzin's slot in the lineup sooner than later, which makes a lot of sense, given the Leafs' position in the standings and likely wanting to push hard for home-ice advantage in the playoffs.

It's also possible that Sheldon Keefe and Kyle Dubas are planning to inject a little more sandpaper into the lineup when they play the Minnesota Wild tonight. Clifford is a big body and doesn't shy away from physical play or fisticuffs. Aside from that, he doesn't bring much in the way of speed or skill to the ice.

If Clifford has been brought up with the intention of playing him, we'll likely see him in a 4th line role. The Wild do have multiple players who thrive while playing a physical game, like Marcus Foligno, Ryan Hartman and Jordan Greenway. Perhaps this is simply a move to help level the playing field.