The Toronto Maple Leafs have claimed Dakota Mermis off of waiver from the Utah Hockey Club. He reunites with the Maple Leafs organization after being waived by them and claimed by Utah just three weeks ago.
Dakota Mermis Claimed by Maple Leafs
Mermis, 30, signed with the Maple Leafs this off-season to a one-year $775,000 deal. He started the season on LTIR due to a jaw injury he suffered in training camp. He was placed on waivers to be assigned to the AHL Toronto Marlies and was claimed by Utah.
The left-handed shooting blue liner only appeared in one game, which was a 5-4 shootout loss to the Anaheim Ducks, where he finished with two shots and a minus-two.
Mermis has played in 75 NHL games, including games with the Minnesota Wild, Utah, New Jersey Devils, and the old Arizona Coyotes. In those 75 games, he has scored four goals and eight assists for 12 points with 39 penalty minutes during this time. He can be a dependable depth defenseman for the organization when called upon.
Maple Leafs Roster Moves
The Maple Leafs made a corresponding move after the claim, which was sending Mermis to the AHL. Because no one else made a claim, sending Mermis down was not an issue. They also sent down Marshall Rafai to the Marlies. Mermis adds a level of security on the blue line and will likely be the top defensemen call-up when needed.
The Maple Leafs also announced the signing of Philippe Myers to a two-year, $850,000 deal. Myers has been a near-perfect fit beside Morgan Rielly on the back end. He has played well and deserved the extension.
It is always good to have extra defense who can step in and play at the NHL level. Mermis added yet another to the Maple Leafs organization.
