The Dakota Mermis chapter in Toronto came to a close before it even had a chance to start. As reported by Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman, the Utah Hockey Club claimed Mermis off waivers after the Toronto Maple Leafs had planned for him to report to the Toronto Marlies.

When the parent club signed the 26-year-old to an NHL deal and called him up, Nylander had eight goals and 12 points in 14 AHL games with the Marlies. He also headed into this season after posting 11 goals and 15 points in 23 games for the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2023-24.

Alex Nylander has been assigned to the Toronto Marlies, while the Toronto Maple Leafs have officially activated Jake McCabe from injured reserve. McCabe and head coach Craig Berube both confirmed that the 31-year-old will return to the lineup for Thursday’s game against the Anaheim Ducks.