Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Maple Leafs Waive Dakota Mermis as Blue Jackets Waive Brendan Gaunce, Zach Aston-Reese

The moves trigger a 24-hour claim window that could route the trio to their AHL clubs.

Overview

  • Elliotte Friedman reported the waiver placements Tuesday, with claims due by 2 p.m. Wednesday.
  • If unclaimed, Mermis can be assigned to the Toronto Marlies and Gaunce and Aston-Reese to the Cleveland Monsters.
  • Mermis completed an LTIR conditioning loan after a Dec. 8 knee-on-knee injury with Tampa Bay’s Gage Goncalves that drew a major and game misconduct.
  • Mermis has appeared in 11 NHL games for Toronto this season, while Aston-Reese has 26 games for Columbus with one goal and four assists.
  • Gaunce has two goals and four assists in 25 games for Columbus and six points in 12 AHL games, with all three players on near‑minimum contracts.