The Leafs need roster flexibility as players begin to get healthy again, and Fraser Minten has become too valuable to be sent down.
The Toronto Maple Leafs placed forward Alex Nylander and defenseman Dakota Meris on waivers Tuesday, according to multiple reports, including Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman.
Nylander, the 26-year-old younger brother of Leafs star forward William Nylander, has no points in five games since signing a one-year NHL contract with the club on November 22. His journey with the Leafs' organization began when he signed a one-year, AHL-only contract with the Toronto Marlies earlier this season. As the Leafs dealt with injuries across their forward lineup, they turned to Nylander and upgraded him to an NHL deal to provide depth.
Because Nylander was signed mid-season, he did not require waivers because he was immediately placed onto an NHL roster. Players signed before training camp typically need to clear waivers after they are cut. With injured players returning to the lineup, the Leafs needed to create roster space, prompting the decision to cut Nylander, which requires waivers. Max Domi rejoined the lineup during Tuesday's 2-1 overtime victory against the New Jersey Devils, and forward Bobby McMann could also return from a lower-body injury soon, requiring further adjustments to the 23-man roster.
