Yesterday William Nylander officially joined the Maple Leafs, as his contract took effect Sunday. NHL teams are limited to 23 healthy players, and they now have 24.
There were reports that they had sent Travis Dermott to the AHL in a “paper transaction”, but the AHL transactions page on their website does not show this move. Mike Babcock confirmed to reporters today that Dermott will play in Tuesday’s game.
The #leafs didn't place anyone on waivers at noon. May be a sign they have a trade in the works to open up a roster spot.
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) December 3, 2018
With no one waived, and no one likely to be sent to the AHL who doesn’t need waivers, this is the status for now.
In other, possibly related news, the Vancouver Canucks placed Brendan Leipsic on waivers yesterday, and he was claimed by the Los Angeles Kings today. If other teams were looking for a similar sort of depth player, but failed in their claim for Leipsic, the Leafs could offer Josh Leivo for a reasonable return.
This seems to be the most likely option at the moment, since today’s practice lines had him ominously in the fourth-line right-wing spot. A trade could see him stay in the NHL for the near future at least.
When we know, you’ll know.
Working on the details, but sounds like Maple Leafs forward Josh Leivo is in the process of being traded.
— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) December 3, 2018