Toronto Maple Leafs sign Stanley Cup champion gritty forward

According to Jacob Stoller of the Hockey News, the Toronto Marlies, the AHL affiliate of the Toronto Maple Leafs, have re-signed former Stanley Cup champion Kyle Clifford to an AHL contract.

Clifford is returning to the Marlies after spending the last three seasons with the organization. This marks the second time in his career he has rejoined the Maple Leafs organization. Clifford was initially part of the trade that brought Jack Campbell to the Maple Leafs in 2020. After a stint with the St. Louis Blues, he was traded back to Toronto in November 2021.

At 33, Clifford is a valuable asset to the young Marlies team, providing leadership and protection for his teammates.

The terms of the contract are unknown, but it's likely a one-year deal, allowing Clifford to finish his career close to his hometown of Ayr, Ontario.

Last season with the Marlies, Clifford played in 56 games, scoring 10 goals, and 18 assists, and collecting 140 penalty minutes. He didn't play any games with the Maple Leafs last season, with his last NHL appearance being in the 2022-23 season, where he played in two games.

Credit: Jacob Stoller
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