Why The Maple Leafs Placed A Pair Of Defensemen On NHL Waivers

This can be viewed as the first batch of roster cuts, in terms of personnel to make the NHL lineup. McWard and Mermis have been waived because Toronto is trimming the roster as the 2026-27 campaign approaches.

There are also two players who don't feature in either split-squad roster for Wednesday's pre-season contest against the Ottawa Senators .

Since joining the NHL in 2022-23 as an undrafted player, McWard has only played a total of nine NHL games. Last year, he made just one appearance with the New York Islanders and 63 games with the Bridgeport Islanders in the AHL.