Leafs organization officially brings back beloved veteran enforcer

Clifford will be back for a fourth season with the Toronto Marlies as the Leafs have re-signed him to an AHL deal. Clifford has played in just two NHL games since being suspended for boarding then Tampa Bay Lightning forward Ross Colton during Game 1 of the 2022 Stanley Cup playoffs.

Clifford has spent the better part of the last three seasons with the Leafs' AHL affiliate where he has taken on a leadership role and helped Leafs prospects develop. In 53 games with the Marlies last season, the 33-year-old had 10 goals, 28 points and a whopping 140 penalty minutes as well as a three-game suspension.

Clifford was initially acquired by the Leafs in the Jack Campbell trade in February of 2020. He was then re-acquired by the Leafs from the St. Louis Blues in November of 2021, so the organization clearly values what he brings to the table both on and off the ice.

The Ayr, Ontario native has played in 753 NHL games where he has tallied 66 goals, 144 points and 905 penalty minutes since making his debut during the 2010-2011 season with the LA Kings. Clifford also won a Stanley Cup with the Kings in 2014.

Source: Hockey Reference
Kyle Clifford Stats