According to Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman, the Toronto Maple Leafs have placed forward Alex Nylander and defenseman Dakota Mermis on waivers.
McMann was placed on injured reserve (IR) on November 30 after leaving a game early against the Florida Panthers, while McCabe has missed the last five games following a puck to the side of his head during the same day’s game against the Tampa Bay Lightning.
Meanwhile, Dakota Mermis is currently with the AHL’s Toronto Marlies on a long-term injured reserve (LTIR) conditioning loan after undergoing jaw surgery that has sidelined him since training camp. Although he is already playing in the AHL, this waiver move likely ensures he stays within the organization until the Leafs decide to recall him. Mermis has tallied one assist in three games during his conditioning stint.
As for Alex Nylander, he was called up during a stretch when the Leafs dealt with significant injuries to their forward group, allowing him to play alongside his older brother William for the first time in their careers. While he showed moments of offensive promise, Nylander went scoreless in five games with the Leafs, collecting four penalty minutes and a minus-one rating.
Before his call-up, Alex Nylander was having a standout season with the Marlies, tallying 12 points (eight goals and four assists) in 14 games. At the time of his promotion to the Leafs, he was tied with Alex Steeves for the Marlies’ scoring lead.
If Nylander is claimed off waivers by another team but later placed on waivers again, the Leafs would have top priority to reclaim him and potentially send him back to the Marlies. A similar situation occurred earlier this season when the Edmonton Oilers and Vegas Golden Knights alternated claiming Raphael Lavoie before he ultimately remained with Vegas.
