The Toronto Maple Leafs have signed veteran defender Dakota Mermis to a one-year contract. The former Minnesota Wild player inked a deal worth $775,000 with the Leafs.

Mermis, 30, played in 47 games for the Wild last season, tallying three goals and eight points with a minus-2 rating. Originally signed by the Wild in 2020, Mermis had previously played 20 NHL games with the Arizona Coyotes and the New Jersey Devils over two seasons.

Although undrafted, Mermis has primarily played in the AHL but managed to appear in seven NHL games across three seasons with the Wild. Last season, he stepped up for the Wild amid injuries and poor performance within the team, making 47 appearances without looking out of place.

Now joining the Maple Leafs, Mermis is expected to serve as the team’s seventh or eighth defenseman.

GET MORE NEWS HERE