Marlies looking to take the next step, NCAA-based prospects in the middle of long development paths and players shining at World Juniors.

The Toronto Maple Leafs have placed Auston Matthews on injured reserve, retroactive to Dec. 20, where he aggravated an upper-body injury which forced him to miss most of November. Maple Leafs F Auston Matthews has been placed on IR (upper body) retroactive to December 20. D Marshall Rifai has been recalled from the Toronto Marlies (AHL).

The Toronto Maple Leafs placed captain Auston Matthews on the injured reserve list on Tuesday, a move that allowed the team to recall a player ahead of their matinee against the New York Islanders.