Jake McCabe Unexpectedly Replaced By Defenseman Returning From Serious Injury
Jake McCabe was absent from practice on Tuesday as injury concerns mount, and he's been replaced by a defenseman finally making his return.
The Toronto Maple Leafs acquired Jake McCabe in order to add another solid defenseman to their blueline, but little did they know they would strike gold with him.
Since coming to Toronto, and especially since being paired with Chris Tanev, McCabe has been one of the league's best shutdown defenders and is a big part of why Toronto is giving up the fourth-least amount of goals per game so far.
It's concerning then that McCabe was absent at practice, as he was not known to have any injury concerns, and with no word about what was going on, things could get bad quickly.
So with McCabe out, in comes Dakota Mermis, a defenseman who is recovering from jaw surgery and is looking to make his debut this season.
The news comes courtesy of David Alter of The Hockey News, and it's a sign that Toronto might be dealing with some more injuries to the team.
Head coach Craig Berube tried to assuage all concerns as the stated that McCabe was simply having a day off for 'maintenance' which may also be concerning.
It's concerning because Max Domi had two 'maintenance' days before he ended up on the IR dealing with an unspecified injury. If McCabe is hurt too, it's a huge blow to Toronto's improved defense.
This season McCabe has been great, recording five assists so far but mainly playing elite shutdown defense alongside Chris Tanev.
But that leads to the question...
Who is Dakota Mermis?
Dakota Mermis, a 6'0 defenseman from Alton, IL came over to the Maple Leafs as a free agent this summer.
The 7-year NHL veteran has spent time with Arizona, New Jersey, and Minnesota where he has 12 points in 74 games. Known as a speedy and mobile defender, Mermis is a solid playmaker in addition to his defense.
The former Iowa Wild captain is a great addition for Berube as he can employ him in various scenarios if he sees game action. While he isn't the biggest he has heart and grit; two traits near and dear to Berube.
Signed primarily as depth, Mermis will look to try and get himself back into game action after missing so much time. While he won't see a ton of minutes, he can be counted on in case of emergency, much like Philippe Myers.
He was skating with Chris Tanev and is more than likely a placeholder for McCabe while he takes a maintenance day. It's important though that Mermis gets reps with the team, as he could be a key insurance policy down the line.
FAQ: Jake McCabe Replaced In Practice
Q1: Why was Jake McCabe replaced in practice for the Maple Leafs?
A1: Jake McCabe took what head coach Craig Berube calls a maintenance day; essentially a day off to rest any bumps and bruises and to take a mental reset and relax for a bit. It's not uncommon as other players like Max Domi and William Nylander have had these.
Q2: Will Dakota Mermis play for the Maple Leafs?
A2: It's not certain, and he is more than likely just a placeholder body for McCabe while he rests. Mermis is not likely to play unless an emergency happens and Toronto is lacking defensive depth all of a sudden. He's a great piece to have as insurance.
In closing, Jake McCabe needs a day off, and he's earned it. He has been a fantastic defenseman this season, but the rigors of the NHL call for rest. Dakota Mermis took his spot in practice in a positive sign he's back on track after a serious injury put his career on hold.
