Defenseman Dakota Mermis was put on waivers Friday afternoon while in Sweden with the Minnesota Wild. This move might seem harsh, but it is actually simply a move to free up cap space in case it is needed for either game this weekend. (Click here for a preview of Minnesota’s games in Sweden this weekend.)
Mermis was already a healthy scratch for the game against the Ottawa Senators tomorrow in Stockholm. Previously, Jon Merrill had been the healthy scratch while Mermis was on the third pairing along with newcomer Zach Bogosian. Iowa Wild Captain Mermis has been playing with the Wild for the past 13 games, the most in his career in one season. He currently has 5 points with the Wild, 2 goals and 3 assists. Despite being on waivers, it’s assumed Mermis will stay in Sweden with the team.
The Wild already have limited cap space, but need to make more in case either regular goalies are injured or ill for tomorrow’s game. In order to let Jesper Wallstedt step in as a backup, there needs to be plenty of room for his salary. As long as he doesn’t have to dress for a game, the Wild do not have to include his salary in their salary cap.
They also need to include space for Freddy Gaudreau, who is eligible to come off of Long Term Injured Reserve for Sunday’s game. Gaudreau was injured after taking a hit from former teammate Ryan Reaves during the game against the Toronto Maple Leafs on 10/14. He’s missed 9 games so far and needs to sit out at least one more according to the rules of LTIR.
For more on the Wild’s trip to Sweden so far, listen to the latest episode of Her Wild Side Hockey Podcast.
