Leafs Bypass Waivers and Circumvent the Salary Cap Again with Defenseman
The Toronto Maple Leafs assigned Dakota Mermis to an LTIR Conditioning Loan, allowing Toronto to save money and keep the defenseman.
After recovering from jaw surgery, Maple Leafs free agent signing Dakota Mermis took the ice with the team for practice on Wednesday, seen for the first time this season; a big sign towards his eventual return. Wednesday it was announced that has been sent to the Marlies in order to get some reps in while he recovers.
It's been a rough few months for Dakota Mermis. Dealing with jaw surgery after taking an errant puck to the mouth, he is finally healthy enough to get back on the ice, something the defenseman is eager to do.
Speaking with The Hockey News, Mermis mentioned the road he's taken to get here after dealing with such a life-altering experience.
He talked about how the injury occurred, the frustration about being away for so long, and how he's been able to stay healthy; thanking the Leafs kitchen staff for some pretty great protein shakes:
No doubt Mermis is talking about both the shakes and the staff, and his recovery is nothing short of amazing as well.
For his career, Mermis has 74 NHL games with 12 points and has spent time with Arizona, New Jersey, and Minnesota. He went undrafted before signing with Arizona after a solid stint with the London Knights.
How Toronto Circumvented Waivers & Salary Cap
Toronto didn't do anything too secretive, as several NHL GMs use this tactic in order to keep some money around and also give their player a good chance to get some games in while not sacrificing money or a roster spot.
The team has done it earlier this year, sending Connor Dewar, Jani Hakanpaa, and Philippe Myers all down to the Marlies at various times to get them some game time but save some money too.
The NHL rules for LTIR Conditioning Loans means that Mermis will get paid as an NHLer and has a chance to get a few games in if the schedule is kind to him.
Those rules also mean that Toronto doesn't get nailed with a cap hit and it gives them a great chance to see what Mermis can offer them once healthy.
FAQ: Toronto Maple Leafs Bypass Waivers And Salary Cap
Q1: How did Toronto bypass both waivers and the salary cap?
A1: Toronto bypassed both because of the rules associated with NHL LTIR Conditioning Loans which allow a player to be sent down without needing waivers due to their long-term injury status.
Q2: Will Dakota Mermis play for the Maple Leafs?
A2: It is a a very slim possibility that Toronto plays Mermis unless they deal with injuries to their defense who for the most part has stayed healthy.
Mermis will at least get games with the Marlies in order to keep in game shape.
In closing, Dakota Mermis was sent to the Marlies on an LTIR Conditioning Loan so the Maple Leafs can get him game time as well as save money and not risk losing him on waivers.
