The Toronto Maple Leafs have officially placed forward Alex Nylander and defenseman Dakota Mermis on waivers, a move that underscores the ongoing adjustments teams are making as the season progresses. Waivers play a crucial role in the NHL, allowing teams to manage their rosters within salary cap constraints while also giving other franchises the opportunity to claim players who might bolster their lineup. While neither Nylander nor Mermis is a household name, their placement on waivers provides insight into the Maple Leafs’ current roster dynamics and their strategy moving forward.
### Alex Nylander: A Player with Untapped Potential
Alex Nylander, the eighth overall pick in the 2016 NHL Draft, carries a pedigree that has yet to translate into consistent NHL success. The 25-year-old winger has shown flashes of his potential throughout his career but has struggled to find a permanent role in the NHL. After starting his career with the Buffalo Sabres, Nylander was traded to the Chicago Blackhawks, where he showed promise with a 26-point season in 65 games during 2019-2020. However, injuries and inconsistencies have hampered his ability to build on that performance.
Nylander signed with the Maple Leafs this offseason, likely hoping for a fresh start in a new organization. His placement on waivers suggests he was unable to carve out a spot on Toronto’s deep roster, particularly with the team’s focus on experienced forwards and high-performing prospects. Still, Nylander’s offensive skill set and ability to play on either wing could make him an appealing option for other NHL teams in need of depth scoring.
### Dakota Mermis: A Reliable Depth Defenseman
Dakota Mermis, a 29-year-old defenseman, has carved out a career as a dependable, stay-at-home blueliner who can step in when needed. While he has spent the majority of his professional career in the AHL, Mermis has logged 30 NHL games across stints with the Arizona Coyotes, New Jersey Devils, and Minnesota Wild. Known for his leadership qualities and steady defensive play, Mermis has often served as a reliable call-up option when injuries strike.
Toronto’s decision to waive Mermis likely stems from their current defensive depth and a desire to keep him available for their AHL affiliate, the Toronto Marlies. With the likes of Morgan Rielly, T.J. Brodie, and John Klingberg (when healthy) anchoring the NHL blue line, Mermis may not have been in line for significant playing time. However, his experience and versatility could attract interest from teams looking to solidify their defensive depth.
### Strategic Implications for the Maple Leafs
The moves to place Nylander and Mermis on waivers reflect the Maple Leafs’ emphasis on balancing talent, cap space, and roster flexibility. General Manager Brad Treliving and the Leafs’ front office have been navigating a tight salary cap situation while trying to build a team capable of making a deep playoff run. By waiving these players, Toronto can potentially assign them to the Marlies if they clear waivers, keeping them within the organization as depth options.
The Maple Leafs’ roster decisions are further complicated by injuries and the need to evaluate younger players. With promising prospects knocking on the door and veterans holding key roles, the competition for spots is intense. These waiver placements provide clarity as Toronto moves closer to solidifying its roster for the grind of the regular season.
### What’s Next?
If Nylander and Mermis clear waivers, they will likely report to the Marlies, where they can continue to contribute and stay ready for potential NHL call-ups. However, there’s also the possibility that another team will claim one or both players, recognizing their value as low-risk acquisitions. Nylander’s offensive upside and Mermis’ defensive reliability could make them attractive pickups for teams seeking to address specific needs.
For now, the Maple Leafs’ focus remains on maximizing their NHL roster’s potential, and these waivers serve as another step in that ongoing process. Whether Nylander and Mermis remain in the organization or move on to new opportunities, their futures will be shaped by how teams across the league assess their abilities and fit within their respective systems.
