Maple Leafs get reinforcements just in time following heartbreaking Chris Tanev news

The Toronto Maple Leafs are a different team since December 23rd, having not lost in regulation, posting a record of 4-0-2 in their last six games and collecting 10 of a possible 12 points in the standings over that span.

Unfortunately, there are some issues on the blueline that are taking away some of the focus from how good this team has been in recent week. It starts with a disastrous last outing for Morgan Rielly, which has led to some harsh criticism. Rielly was a -4 against the New York Islanders on Saturday in a game where the Leafs scored 3 goals of their own, all at 5-on-5.

In addition to Rielly's tremendous struggles, the Leafs have also lost Jake McCabe to injury, with the veteran defenseman leaving Saturday's game in the 3rd period and being unable to return, playing a role in Rielly getting 27:31 of ice time in the loss.

Unfortunately for the Leafs, McCabe was not on the ice for practice on Monday, meaning that he could miss time. Even more unfortunately, McCabe goes down at a time where the Leafs are also without Chris Tanev, with rumours of a potential season-ending surgery on the table for the former Stars, Flames and Canucks defenseman.

Thankfully, it's not all bad news for the Leafs, as a couple of reinforcements have officially arrived.

On Monday, following the announcement that William Nylander would miss his 5th straight game after being placed on injured reserve, the Leafs announced that they had recalled big, physical defenseman Marshall Rifai from the Toronto Marlies.

In addition, Brandon Carlo appears poised to make his return to the Leafs' lineup, as the 6-foot-5 blueliner was paired with Rielly at practice, taking regular line rushes.

Rifai skated as an extra during practice on Monday, but with how poorly Philippe Myers has played this season, it would not be shocking to see Rifai slide in there next to Simon Benoit on the team's 3rd pairing on Tuesday against the Panthers.

The Leafs have some pretty big decisions upcoming, as if Tanev is unable to return this season, it will open up more than $4M with which the Leafs can seek out a replacement on the trade market.

Also read on Toronto Hockey Daily :
Craig Berube not happy with Joseph Woll after poor decision results in a Leafs OT loss