Maple Leafs Send Defenseman to Marlies Amid Speculation About Jake McCabe's Health

Following their third loss in a row, the Toronto Maple Leafs announced that they have sent defenseman Marshall Rifai to the Toronto Marlies to free up a roster spot.

The 26-year-old has been up and down with the Leafs and Marlies, but has yet to play an NHL game this season. He has skated in 26 games with the Marlies, where he has registered four points.

The move comes on the heels of a post-game report on Tuesday from TSN's Darren Dreger in which he noted that McCabe is likely going to return to the lineup on Saturday against the Montreal Canadiens.

The 31-year-old was injured in a fight with Philadelphia Flyers forward Garnet Hathaway on January 5th when he fell awkwardly, hitting his head on the ice.

McCabe briefly rejoined the Leafs for practice on Monday, before participating in Tuesday's morning skate.

The Leafs' blueline and penalty kill could desperately use the Wisconsin native with how much they have struggled without him. Although he has just 11 points in 36 games, his defensive play alongside Chris Tanev has been instrumental in helping the Leafs close out games in the third period.

With McCabe returning, Simon Benoit or Conor Timmins are the obvious choices to take out of the lineup, but with how both have struggled recently, it will be interesting to see who Craig Berube gives a longer leash to come Saturday.