A Player The Leafs Lost On Waivers Has Just Been Waived By Utah: Toronto Could Exact Revenge

The Utah Hockey Club have just placed defenseman Dakota Mermis on waivers, a few weeks after they claimed him from the Leafs. Could Toronto snatch him back?

The Utah Hockey Club's promising start to the 2024-25 campaign quickly lost its steam as they slid down the Western Conference. Inexperience and youth are factors, combined with early-season injuries on the blue line, for the missteps.

Because of those challenges, earlier this season, the club claimed 30-year-old Dakota Mermis off waivers.

But just three weeks after picking him up from the Toronto Maple Leafs, Utah has put Dakota Mermis back on waivers, first reported by NHL insider Elliotte Friedman. This now opens the door for Toronto to reclaim him.

Mermis went undrafted and made his NHL debut in 2017. He has played 75 games in his career between Arizona, New Jersey, Minnesota, and most recently Utah. In his only game this year, Mermis was scoreless with a -2 rating.

With that in mind, Mermis is somewhat consistent and is the sort of depth guy who will likely see time with the Tucson Roadrunners of the AHL if he goes unclaimed. That's where he provides legitimate value in an organizational depth capacity.

While there are some teams looking for depth on the back end, Mermis has been such a non-factor this season it's in question whether anyone such as the Leafs would claim him again.

For now, his future probably lies in the AHL, where he can continue to contribute as a veteran presence, but whether that's the AHL of Utah or Toronto, remains to be seen. We will know in less than 24 hours.

1 hour ago  |  By Tyler Ball Oilers prospect Matt Savoie & his family expose Hockey Canada for polarizing decision during his junior career

3 hours ago  |  By Tyler Ball Several GMs spotted scouting the Canucks as tension continues to rise between J.T. Miller and Elias Pettersson

4 hours ago  |  By Tyler Ball Hockey Canada President responds to backlash from fans in the aftermath of loss to Czechia

5 hours ago  |  By Daniel Lucente The Oilers Desperately Need Defensemen And Three Have Emerged As Front-Runners Per NHL Insider

8 hours ago  |  By Daniel Lucente The Leafs Make A Major Announcement Regarding The Health And Status Of Auston Matthews For Tonight

10 hours ago  |  By Daniel Lucente Czech Player Of The Minnesota Wild Brutally Mocks Team Canada Online After Embarrassing Defeat

Jan 3  |  By Tyler Ball Connor McDavid and Auston Matthews challenge one another on social media hinting at a potential collaboration

Jan 3  |  By Tyler Ball Maple Leafs connected to two veteran centers to fix the middle six as the NHL Trade Deadline approaches