Leafs make unexpected roster decision ahead of tonight's game

The Toronto Maple Leafs are in Colorado tonight to take on the Avalanche to wrap up their four-game road trip. The Leafs are looking to extend their winning streak to seven games, five of which they won without Morgan Rielly.

Ahead of the game, the Leafs loaned defenceman Marshall Rifai back to the Toronto Marlies, which signifies the potential return of Mark Giordano. Giordano has been away from the team as he mourned the passing of his father last week. With how well the Leafs have played, it is unlikely that Giordano will be in the lineup tonight, but they had to clear a roster spot for him to move him from the non-roster list.

Rifai skated in two games for the Leafs on their road trip and while he didn't do anything that stood out, he was very sound defensively and kept things simple. Giordano, on the other hand, may have to fight to get back in the lineup with both how well both William Lagesson and Max Lajoie playing well in bottom-six roles.

Player Safety Reportedly Makes Controversial Decision on Zach Whitecloud's hit on Leafs' Matthew Knies

Craig Berube Shares Surprising Update on Leafs Winger Matthew Knies

Craig Berube Shares Exciting News Regarding Maple Leafs Captain Auston Matthews

Leafs Goalie Joseph Woll Admits to Using Matthew Knies Injury as Motivation to Stick it to Vegas

The NHL's Treatment of Ryan Reaves Versus Their Treatment of Zach Whitecloud Causing Unrest in Toronto

Leafs Coach Craig Berube Shares Update on Matthew Knies, Does His Best to Avoid $25,000 Fine

Leafs' Nikita Grebenkin Could Face Supplemental Discipline After NHL Debut

Dirty, Dangerous Hit Forces Leafs Winger Matthew Knies Into Concussion Protocol

Ex-Leafs Goalie Ilya Samsonov Reveals his Biggest Regret About His Time in Toronto

Leafs GM Brad Treliving Admits to Concerns About Being Forced to Recall Fraser Minten