Kyle Clifford Returns to Maple Leafs Organization Once Again

Kyle Clifford spent some time with the Toronto Maple Leafs for two seasons, from 2021 through 2023, but his biggest impact in the organization has come as a leader with the AHL’s Marlies. And the team has now re-signed the valuable veteran to a new deal.

The former two-time Stanley Cup winner has spent a large part of the past two seasons with the Marlies, and he’s returning with a one-year deal.

Hearing that the Toronto Marlies have re-signed Kyle Clifford to an AHL contract.

Clifford, 33, spent parts of the last three seasons with Toronto (AHL). Clifford won a Stanley Cup with the Los Angeles Kings in 2014.#LeafsForever
— Jacob Stoller (@JLStoller) July 31, 2024

The 33-year-old has acted as a leader and an enforcer with the young charges at the AHL level, and, per Nick Barden of The Hockey News, several Marlies players as well as head coach John Gruden have all lauded the experience (and protection) that Clifford brings to the group.

Dennis Hildeby gets jabbed by Bokondji Imama after the second period ends and the entire #Marlies team doesn't like it.

Kyle Clifford comes in flying and drops the gloves with Imama. pic.twitter.com/bpIUxIQfh5
— Nick Barden (@nickbarden) January 13, 2024

Last season with the Marlies, in 58 games, he notched 28 points and 140 penalty minutes. He's also added 12 points in 10 playoff games over the past two seasons.

Clifford has played 13 NHL seasons, and in 753 games, has recorded 66 goals and 144 points, along with 905 penalty minutes.

He was a member of two Stanley Cup-winning teams with the Los Angeles Kings early in his career (2012 and 2014), playing a fourth-line, enforcer role.