Breaking: Veteran Defenseman Dakota Mermis On Verge of Making NHL Playoff Debut with Toronto Maple Leafs After Wild Season; Reflects on Journey from Waivers to Maple Leafs Roster
After a decade in the pros and switching between six farm-league and five NHL clubs, lifelong journeyman defenseman Dakota Mermis is finally on the cusp of making his Stanley Cup playoff debut with the Toronto Maple Leafs. The 31-year-old’s unlikely journey this season includes breaking his jaw in training camp, being waived to the Utah Grizzlies, and getting reclaimed by the Leafs just a month later.
Mermis sat down with Sportsnet to discuss his whirlwind 2022-23 campaign, revealing the "chaos" of being on waivers and the mental resilience it takes to navigate such uncertainty. The defenseman, who signed with the Leafs for a mere $775,000 last offseason, attributed his perseverance to his supportive family and positive mindset.
The Alton, Illinois, native, who won the Memorial Cup with the Oshawa Generals in 2015, also shared his unique bond with several former London Knights teammates now on the Maple Leafs roster, including Mitch Marner, Max Domi, and Anthony Stolarz. Reflecting on his brief roommate stint with Stolarz, Mermis recalled, "He was great…a squirrelly goalie, but in the best way."
With injuries plaguing the Maple Leafs’ defensive corps, Mermis’ chance to make his Stanley Cup playoff debut has never been greater. In his limited time with the Leafs this season, he has impressed coach Craig Berube with his consistency, leadership, and defensive prowess, proving that he’s ready to contribute to a potential playoff run.
Headline:
Unexpected Journeyman Eyeing Stanley Cup with Maple Leafs: Dakota Mermis’ Wild Ride to Toronto
Subheading:
After years in the minors and a whirlwind waiver experience, defenseman Dakota Mermis is finally in the hunt for hockey’s ultimate prize.
The Road Less Traveled
Dakota Mermis’ journey to the promised land of the NHL’s postseason has been anything but conventional. Undrafted and now in his 10th professional season, the 31-year-old defenseman has suited up for 11 different teams, six of which were in the minors. Yet, his perseverance and steadfast determination have led him to the cusp of hockey’s holy grail: the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
owanieWith just 92 NHL games under his belt, Mermis is on the verge of tasting playoff hockey for the first time in his career. But how did this journeyman find himself in the hockey haven of Toronto, donning the iconic Maple Leafs jersey? Let’s explore the winding path that led him here.
An Unlikely Path to Toronto
Mermis’ offseason plans turned chaotic within days of signing with the Maple Leafs. An innocuous training camp collision resulted in a broken jaw, sidelining him for weeks. Upon his recovery, a waiver wire stint in Utah further complicated his season. Yet, through it all, Mermis maintained an unwavering focus on his ultimate goal: winning.
"I don’t really have a good way to describe it, besides a bit of chaos," Mermis admitted, reflecting on his tumultuous season. "But just taking it all as it comes. Fortunately, I have a great support system at home with my wife and my kids."
The Waiver Wire Shuffle
Life on the waiver wire is a high-stakes game of musical chairs for NHL hopefuls. For Mermis, it meant a whirlwind 24 hours of uncertainty, waiting for the 2 p.m. ticking clock that would determine his fate.
"It’s those couple hours leading up to 2 p.m., when you’re either set to clear or you get claimed, that’s when it starts to get a little exhilarating," Mermis revealed. "It happens fast. When I got claimed by Utah, we were at home. It was a calm off-day. In a matter of seconds, two o’clock hit. It was chaos to get bags packed and get to the airport in a couple hours."
Did you know? Mermis has been on the waiver wire multiple times throughout his career, with Shenzhen on New Year’s Eve being the most unique experience. "I cleared and was playing in the AHL All-Star game the next day," Mermis laughed.
Old Friends, New Opportunities
Reuniting with old friends from his London Knights days – Mitch Marner, Max Domi, and Anthony Stolarz – sweetened the deal for Mermis in Toronto. But it’s his simple, competitive approach to the game and varied experience that have earned him a spot on the Maple Leafs’ blue line.
"Dakota brings a certain level of maturity and competitiveness to our team," raved Leafs head coach Sheldon Keefe. "He’s seen and done it all in his career, and that experience is invaluable in our room."
FAQ: Which Leafs have Mermis clicked with the most?
"Philippe Myers, I met right away in training camp," Mermis said. "We’re similar guys coming in on league-min deals from outside the organization. I played with Marns, Domes, and Sollie in junior. I crossed paths with OEL in Arizona. It’s a good group; I’ve meshed with everyone."
Stolarz’s Surprising Rise
While Mermis was just happy to land a professional contract during his time with the London Knights, few could have predicted that his roommate, goalie Anthony Stolarz, would one day win a Stanley Cup with the Chicago Blackhawks.
"He was great. Just a squirrelly goalie, but in the best way," Mermis reminisced. "He’s got great athleticism, which everyone in Toronto is seeing now. Now he’s got a Stanley Cup ring. Happy for him, and unsurprising to me."
Pro Tip: Keep an eye on Stolarz’s progress in Toronto. His athleticism and competitive spirit have fans excited about his potential.
Marner: Still the Same Kid
(Photo Credit:nhl.com)
Mermis’ earliest memories of Marner date back to his London Knights days. Despite the high expectations surrounding the then-16-year-old, Mermis recall him being quiet and unassuming.
"He was tiny then, maybe half the size he is now," Mermis laughed. "He was quiet. A highly skilled, highly touted player coming in, a guy we were all excited to see get into action. The skill level and his skating – and it’s only gotten better since then – stood out right away. How he can move on the ice, be elusive and create space for himself is at a level different from other guys."
Reader Question: Which NHL superstar does Mermis admire most?
"Connor McDavid," Mermis answered promptly. "His speed and skill are on another level. And he’s such a great leader for the Oilers."
Finally Taking the Ice
After what felt like an eternity, Mermis finally laced up his skates for the Maple Leafs on April 24, taking the ice against the Ottawa Senators in his team’s penultimate game of the season.
"Nothing like waiting until Game 80, but glad I was able to get in," Mermis said, reflecting on his long-awaited debut. "It was exciting. No nerves, especially at this point in my career."
Eyes on the Prize
As the Maple Leafs prepare for the playoff push, Mermis finds himself in familiar territory – waiting for an opportunity to make an impact. But this time, the stakes are higher than ever.
"If I get an opportunity to contribute on the ice, that’d be amazing," Mermis said. "But just to be a part of winning, that’d be everything for me. That’s why I wanted to sign in Toronto."
Call-to-Action: As the hockey world turns its attention to the Stanley Cup Playoffs, keep your eyes peeled for this unlikely hero making waves in Toronto. And be sure to check back with 247sports.new for all the latest news and insights from the world of hockey.
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