Toronto Maple Leafs Expected To Claim Former Defenseman Off Waivers
The Toronto Maple Leafs are expected to put in a waiver claim on former Leaf Dakota Mermis.
The Toronto Maple Leafs are reportedly expected to claim left-handed defenseman Dakota Mermis off waivers from the Utah Hockey Club, according to TheScore's Kyle Cushman.
Utah placed Mermis on waivers earlier in the day, allowing him to be claimed by all 31 other NHL teams, which includes Toronto, who appears to be in on their former player.
The Leafs placed Mermis on waivers after signing him to a one-year, $775K contract with the team in the off-season.
Although he signed a NHL deal, Mermis was able to be sent down to the American Hockey League with the Toronto Marlies on a LTIR Conditioning Loan that allowed him time in the minors.
Mermis had a point in three games with the Marlies, but was waived by the Leafs in December after failing to make an appearance with the team, claimed by the Utah Hockey Club.
Mermis played in one game with Utah, and was placed on waivers by the club with the intent of sending him to the AHL with the Tucson Roadrunners.
According to PuckPedia, if the Toronto Maple Leafs are the only team that puts in a claim and no one else, the Leafs can send Mermis down to the AHL with the Marlies.
Toronto looks for a defensive add as Jani Hakanpaa will be out long-term due to injury.
An eight-year NHL veteran, Mermis started his NHL career with the Arizona Coyotes, the team who's assets Utah, Mermis' current club, took over.
Mermis has also played as well as Arizona for the New Jersey Devils, Minnesota Wild, & the Utah Hockey Club. Mermis did not play for Toronto despite signing.
Mermis has four goals, eight assists, & 12 points in 75 career NHL games played.
