While there might be some debate over the moves the Toronto Maple Leafs made—or didn’t make—this summer, general manager Brad Treliving did take steps to strengthen a roster that has struggled to get past the first round of the playoffs in seven of the last eight seasons. The team addressed its defense and goaltending by bringing in Chris Tanev, Oliver Ekman-Larsson, and Anthony Stolarz, while also re-signing Max Domi and Joseph Woll.
In addition to focusing on the core roster, Treliving emphasized adding organizational depth. Last season highlighted the importance of depth players like Bobby McMann, Simon Benoit, and William Lagesson, who stepped up in larger-than-expected roles. Even if Jani Hakanpaa doesn’t end up joining the team, there are several new faces ready to make an impression in training camp and beyond.
Here are a few new faces who could take on larger roles as the season progresses, especially if the anticipated arrival of Jani Hakanpaa doesn’t materialize.
**Dakota Mermis**
In what seems like an effort to reunite the 2013-14 London Knights, the Maple Leafs signed Dakota Mermis to a roster that already includes Anthony Stolarz, Max Domi, and Mitch Marner. While there’s no indication of the team’s interest in other former Knights like Nikita Zadorov, Michael McCarron, Christian Dvorak, Josh Anderson, Chris Tierney, or Bo Horvat, Mermis’s addition continues the trend of familiar faces joining the fold.
While familiarity is a factor, the London Knights connection wasn’t the only reason Dakota Mermis is now a Maple Leaf. Coming off a career-best 47 games at the NHL level with the Minnesota Wild, Mermis brings versatility and depth to the penalty kill. The 30-year-old, a left-handed shot, spent time on both the right and left sides of Minnesota’s blue line and averaged just under a minute per game on the penalty kill.
As the Maple Leafs’ blue line currently stands, there are five near-locks (Chris Tanev, Oliver Ekman-Larsson, Morgan Rielly, Jake McCabe, and Simon Benoit) with several additional defenders competing for a spot in training camp. Mermis is expected to be a strong contender in that battle, making him a player to watch once camp opens.
**Philippe Myers**
Size was clearly a priority on defense this summer, as evidenced by Treliving’s pursuit of the 6-foot-7 Jani Hakanpaa and the signing of another 6-foot-7 blueliner, 23-year-old Boston University standout Cade Webber. Philippe Myers, standing at 6-foot-6, continues this trend of adding big-bodied defensemen.
Myers also brings NHL experience to the table. The 27-year-old has played 158 NHL games, but a challenging 2023-24 season with the deep Tampa Bay Lightning saw him spend most of the year in the AHL with the Syracuse Crunch. As a result, Myers is somewhat of a reclamation project.
The Maple Leafs were able to secure Myers on a near-minimum $775,000 one-year deal, reflecting his status as a player with something to prove. At his best, Myers is a disruptive presence in the defensive zone with a decent level of physicality. At his worst, he struggles against speedy forwards and lacks the offensive production to make up for his deficiencies. While injuries may provide him with opportunities this season, Myers will need to showcase more of his strengths to maintain a spot in the lineup.
**Alex Nylander**
The Toronto Marlies’ low-risk signing of Alex Nylander is more than just a nod to his older brother, William. The 26-year-old was a worthwhile gamble, given his high-ceiling pedigree as a former No. 8 overall draft pick and his under-the-radar performance in the 2023-24 season.
Nylander’s professional career didn’t start on the most promising note. After being selected eighth overall by the Buffalo Sabres in the 2016 Draft, two years after the Maple Leafs picked William at the same spot, he struggled early on, managing just three goals in 19 games across three seasons before being traded to the Chicago Blackhawks. Now on his fifth organization, with 121 NHL games and 330 AHL games under his belt, Nylander has become something of a journeyman.
Despite a less-than-stellar start to his career, Alex Nylander still has the potential to succeed alongside his brother in Toronto. Treliving likely took note of Alex’s 2023-24 performance, which, while not as impressive as William’s 40 goals for the Maple Leafs, still included 11 goals in 23 games with the Columbus Blue Jackets and 17 goals in 43 AHL games with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins. Given the Maple Leafs’ current need for secondary scoring, Alex has a real opportunity to earn a contract with the NHL squad and prove that his signing was based on merit, not just family ties.
Last season, injuries created chances for players to step up. This year, with the Maple Leafs relying heavily on veterans like 34-year-old Chris Tanev, 33-year-old Oliver Ekman-Larsson, and 33-year-old John Tavares, more opportunities are likely to arise during training camp and beyond. Players like Mermis, Myers, Nylander, and other roster hopefuls should be highly motivated to seize these opportunities.
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