Maple Leafs Issue Pair of Announcements Regarding Marshall Rifai and Nikita Grebenkin

On Tuesday, Nikita Grebenkin was sent down to the Toronto Marlies to create a roster spot for Max Domi's return from a lower-body injury.

Then, on Wednesday, the Leafs made two additional roster moves, placing both Dakota Mermis and Alex Nylander on waivers, making way for another pair of potential returns for Jake McCabe and Bobby McMann.

Mermis has missed the entirety of the season so far after undergoing jaw surgery during training camp, while Nylander was demoted just weeks after signing his NHL deal with the Leafs.

While everyone saw the need for the various roster moves, many weren't fond of the Leafs sending down Grebenkin to begin with, but to that end, the team's latest announcement may be to the liking of the fan base.

On Thursday, the Leafs announced that they have officially recalled the 21-year-old Grebenkin, which may indicate that McMann may not yet be ready to return from his lower-body injury.

The Leafs also sent defenseman Marshall Rifai down to the Marlies on Thursday, meaning that Jake McCabe could be ready to return after taking a puck to the head/neck area against the Tampa Bay Lightning on November 30th.

McCabe's potential return also might indicate that Philippe Myers is likely going to find his way back to the press box after finally seeing consistent action, having played the last five games.