Maple Leafs defenseman undergoes surgery: Listed week-to-week
The Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Dakota Mermis is now considered week-to-week after undergoing surgery.
General Manager Brad Treliving made many significant acquisitions this summer to bolster the team's blue line. In addition to Oliver Ekman-Larsson, Chris Tanev, and Jani Hakanpaa, he also signed depth players like Dakota Mermis.
The undrafted 30-year-old defenseman played 74 NHL games since 2017 with the Arizona Coyotes, New Jersey Devils, and Minnesota Wild. He signed a one-year contract valued at $775,000 this summer with the Leafs and will likely end up with the Marlies in the AHL.
In a new development, the Maple Leafs announced that he underwent jaw surgery yesterday and is listed week-to-week on the injury reserve.
With all the talent in the Leafs' defensive unit, we can't see how Mermis would play in the NHL this season. Unless three or four key players get injured, he should remain in the AHL for the whole year. We can't imagine the Leafs deciding to bring him up instead of Marshall Rifai, Topi Niemela, or Cade Webber, who have all been amazing in the training camp so far.�
Mermis has a lot of experience in the AHL, spending most of his professional hockey career in that league. Since 2015, he played 431 games for the Springfield Falcons, Tucson Roadrunners, Binghamton Devils, and Iowa Wild.
He could be in a great position to help the younger guys develop with the Marlies. 2024 first round pick Ben Danford, Niemela, and Webber could all learn a lot from Mermis.
However, in order for Mermis to join the Marlies, he'd need to clear waivers, as per his contract with Toronto. Brad Treliving will need to take the risk of losing him for nothing to send him down to the AHL, but that probably won't stop him.
| POLL | ||
Do you think Dakota Mermi will play a game in the NHL this season? | ||
| Yes | 46 | 30.9 % |
| No | 103 | 69.1 % |
| List of polls | ||
