Once able to return, Toronto placed Mermis on waivers in hopes he'd clear and play in the AHL. The defenseman was claimed by the Utah Hockey Club on Dec. 12 and played one game with the club before going back on waivers in early January. The Maple Leafs claimed the defenseman off of waivers and were able to assign him to the Marlies.

Mermis has played one game with Utah HC and 12 with the Marlies this season, Minten has four points in 15 games with the Maple Leafs

Mitch Marner had a goal and an assist, and Auston Matthews earned a pair of assists for the Maple Leafs (31-19-2), who opened a four-game road trip through the Pacific Division ahead of the break for the 4 Nations Face-Off. Woll made 45 saves.

Toronto Maple Leafs defenceman Dakota Mermis has been called up, while Fraser Minten has been assigned to the AHL’s Toronto Marlies, the organization announced Monday.