Alex Nylander Clears Waivers for the Maple Leafs, Opening the Door For an Important Roster Move

With the Toronto Maple Leafs finally getting back to full health, several placeholders are being sent back to the Toronto Marlies.

Nikita Grebenkin was re-assigned to the minors last week before being recalled today, and now Alex Nylander has officially been demoted after clearing waivers.

The younger of the two Nylander brothers was brought up to the parent club after he signed an NHL contract ahead of their tilt against Utah on the 24th of November. Having been brought over as a PTO over the summer and then signed to an AHL contract, Nylander needed a standard contract with the Leafs in injury shambles.

Unfortunately, Nylander wasn't able to take advantage of the opportunity as he went without a point in 5 games, held a minus-1 rating, and averaged just 9:53 TOI. With the Marlies, he posted 8 goals and 12 points in 14 contests and is expected to reprise his role in the top six upon his return.

Nylander was placed on waivers yesterday and went unclaimed, with news that Jake McCabe was ready to be activated off the IR. In correlation to his waiver placement, the Leafs also placed Dakota Mermis on waivers but he was plucked by Utah before ever playing a game in Toronto.

McCabe is expected to make his return to the lineup for the first time since the 30th of November. In 23 contests, McCabe has 5 assists, a plus-11 rating, and has averaged 21:20 TOI in a pivotal top-4 role for the Maple Leafs.

McCabe was seen skating with Chris Tanev on the top pair during Thursday's practice, which indicates that one of the NHL's top shutdown pairings will resume their duties next to one another.