Toronto Maple Leafs have claimed Dakota Mermis off of waiver from the Utah Hockey Club. He joins the organization 3 weeks after being waived.
The Toronto Maple Leafs have picked up Dakota Mermis off waivers from the Utah Hockey Club. He returns to the Maple Leafs organization after being placed on waivers by them and subsequently claimed by Utah just three weeks earlier.
Top Star Claimed by Maple Leafs
Dakota Mermis, 30, signed a one-year, $ 775,000 contract with the Maple Leafs this off-season. He began the season on long-term injured reserve due to a jaw injury he sustained during training camp. After being placed on waivers to be assigned to the AHL Toronto Marlies, he was claimed by Utah.
The left-shooting defenseman participated in just one game, a 5-4 shootout loss to the Anaheim Ducks, where he recorded two shots and a minus-two rating.
Mermis has played in a total of 75 NHL games with teams including the Minnesota Wild, Utah, New Jersey Devils, and the former Arizona Coyotes. In those appearances, he has tallied four goals and eight assists for a total of 12 points, along with 39 penalty minutes. He has the potential to be a reliable depth defenseman for the organization when needed.
Maple Leafs Roster Moves
Following the claim, the Maple Leafs responded by assigning Mermis to the AHL, as there were no other claims for him. They also sent Marshall Rafai down to the Marlies. Mermis provides added security on the blue line and is expected to be the top option for defenseman call-ups when needed.
Additionally, the Maple Leafs announced they have signed Philippe Myers to a two-year, $ 850,000 contract. Myers has been a great fit alongside Morgan Rielly on defense, performing well and earning the extension.
Having extra defensemen who can step in and play at the NHL level is always beneficial, and Mermis contributes to this depth in the Maple Leafs organization.
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