Maple Leafs Officially Place Alex Nylander and a Defenseman on Waivers

On Tuesday, ahead of the Leafs' thrilling overtime win over the New Jersey Devils, Craig Berube confirmed that Jake McCabe would not play and was still considered day-to-day.

The 31-year-old was was hit in the head/neck area with a puck on November 30th against the Tampa Bay Lightning and has been held out of action as a precaution by the Leafs ever since.

Bobby McMann was originally injured the same week against the Florida Panthers and has not made progress towards a return as quickly as the rest of the injured Leafs. However, now, McMann appears to have turned a corner.

Late last week, Berube confirmed that McMann was slated to return at some point this week.

As is the case when players return, the Leafs were forced to make some tough decisions to create some roster space. To that point, with McCabe and McMann expected to return this week, the Leafs have placed Alex Nylander and Dakota Mermis on waivers to clear cap and roster space.

Mermis signed a one-year deal with the Leafs in July. Unfortunately, he was injured in training camp and has missed the entire season so far as he recovers from jaw surgery.

Amid all of the injuries that the Leafs dealt with up front, Alex Nylander was given a 1-year deal to fill in, and while he filled a spot in the lineup, Leafs' bench boss Craig Berube was not overly impressed with his play.

It is unlikely that either player will be claimed on waivers, but we won't know until 2pm on Thursday. Should both clear, the expectation is that they'll be assigned to the AHL's Toronto Marlies.