Maple Leafs Place Two Defensemen on NHL Waivers
The Toronto Maple Leafs have placed defensemen Cole McWard and Dakota Mermis on NHL waivers, potentially risking their return to the team.
Roster Moves
On Wednesday, the Toronto Maple Leafs placed defensemen Cole McWard and Dakota Mermis on NHL waivers. Both players have been with the Maple Leafs since 2022, but their roles have been limited.
McWard, a 25-year-old from Fenton, Missouri, signed with the Maple Leafs as an undrafted free agent in 2022 and has played only nine NHL games. Mermis, 32 and originally from Illinois, has more experience, having played in 89 NHL games and scoring 14 points.
Experience and Background
McWard joined the Maple Leafs after playing in the New York Islanders' organization in the AHL. He played 63 games with the Bridgeport Islanders in the 2024-25 season, recording 27 points. Mermis, on the other hand, has had a more extensive NHL career, most notably with the Minnesota Wild in 2023-24, where he played 47 games and scored eight points.
The Maple Leafs are trimming their roster as they prepare for the 2026-27 season, with both players being sent to the Toronto Marlies if they clear waivers. The team is also sending other players, including Vinny Borgesi, Brandon Buhr, Hayes Hundley, and Borya Valis, to the Marlies.
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