Reacquired from the St. Louis Blues after clearing waivers earlier this season, Clifford has appeared in 10 games this season, playing 8:34 per night on the team’s fourth line and chipping in two assists. Carl Dahlstrom made one callup appearance back in January versus the Islanders (12:30 TOI, +1).
The two-year Clifford contract speaks to Kyle Dubas’ commitment to retaining a high-character veteran leader who can toggle between the levels of the organization, provide mentorship to the team’s prospects, bring some leadership and “glue guy” presence in the big club’s practices, and supply a depth option for the Leafs’ fourth line in case of injuries.