<p>Toronto Maple Leafs defenceman Dakota Mermis has been assigned to the AHL&#8217;s Toronto Marlies, the team announced <a href="https://x.com/LeafsPR/status/1888434072265040064">Saturday</a>.</p>
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<p>Mermis was called up by the Maple Leafs on <a href="https://theleafsnation.com/news/dakota-mermis-called-up-leafs-fraser-minten-marlies">February 3</a>, but did not enter a game. He played in one game for the Utah Hockey Club this season, and he recorded three assists for the Marlies in 12 AHL games.</p>
<p>The 31-year-old has practiced with the Maple Leafs but has not entered a game this season, and he&#8217;s currently battling with Marshall Rifai for a potential NHL call-up. Mermis has bounced between the AHL and NHL several times this season, and effectively provides the Maple Leafs with further roster flexibility. He was placed on waivers by the Maple Leafs, claimed by Utah, placed on waivers by Utah and the Maple Leafs claimed Mermis again on January 3. Since no other team put in a waiver claim for Mermis, the Maple Leafs can freely move him between the AHL and NHL at their discretion.</p>
<p>Mermis signed a one-year deal worth $775,000 with the Maple Leafs on July 2.</p>
<p>Maple Leafs general manager Brad Treliving is actively pursuing a centre ahead of the NHL trade deadline, but he very likely could be searching for a defenceman as well, with Simon Benoit, Philippe Myers and Conor Timmins all struggling to form a permanent place in the lineup. Timmins was primarily paired with Benoit, but struggled throughout December, allowing Myers to gain some further playing time and a two-year extension in January.</p>
<p>Jani Hakanpaa has also fought through a knee injury throughout the season, playing in just two games before being placed on injured reserve again. Hakanpaa was initially named to Team Finland, but will not participate in the upcoming 4 Nations Face-Off.</p>
<p>Toronto is now on a break for the 4 Nations Face-Off and will resume action against the Carolina Hurricanes on February 22.</p>
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Toronto Maple Leafs defenceman Dakota Mermis has been assigned to the AHL's Toronto Marlies, the team announced <a href="https://x.com/LeafsPR/status/1888434072265040064">Saturday</a>.
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Mermis was called up by the Maple Leafs on <a href="https://theleafsnation.com/news/dakota-mermis-called-up-leafs-fraser-minten-marlies">February 3</a>, but did not enter a game. He played in one game for the Utah Hockey Club this season, and he recorded three assists for the Marlies in 12 AHL games.

The 31-year-old has practiced with the Maple Leafs but has not entered a game this season, and he's currently battling with Marshall Rifai for a potential NHL call-up. Mermis has bounced between the AHL and NHL several times this season, and effectively provides the Maple Leafs with further roster flexibility. He was placed on waivers by the Maple Leafs, claimed by Utah, placed on waivers by Utah and the Maple Leafs claimed Mermis again on January 3. Since no other team put in a waiver claim for Mermis, the Maple Leafs can freely move him between the AHL and NHL at their discretion.

Mermis signed a one-year deal worth $775,000 with the Maple Leafs on July 2.

Maple Leafs general manager Brad Treliving is actively pursuing a centre ahead of the NHL trade deadline, but he very likely could be searching for a defenceman as well, with Simon Benoit, Philippe Myers and Conor Timmins all struggling to form a permanent place in the lineup. Timmins was primarily paired with Benoit, but struggled throughout December, allowing Myers to gain some further playing time and a two-year extension in January.

Jani Hakanpaa has also fought through a knee injury throughout the season, playing in just two games before being placed on injured reserve again. Hakanpaa was initially named to Team Finland, but will not participate in the upcoming 4 Nations Face-Off.

Toronto is now on a break for the 4 Nations Face-Off and will resume action against the Carolina Hurricanes on February 22.
<h3>Sponsored by bet365</h3>
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