THE DEAL IS DONE: Toronto Maple Leafs sign Mermis a two-year contract that is worth $812,000 annually. The veteran will likely be a key member of the Toronto Marlies blueline next

The Toronto Maple Leafs have announced the signings of forwards as well as the re-signing of defenseman Dakota Mermis.

Mermis agreed to a two-year deal with an annual average value of \$812,000. The 31-year-old is expected to play a key role on the Toronto Marlies’ blue line next season. Last year, he appeared in three games for the Maple Leafs and one for Utah HC, while also recording seven points in 32 games with the Marlies. After suffering an injury during training camp, he was placed on waivers, claimed by Utah, and later reclaimed by Toronto. A native of Alton, Illinois, Mermis has tallied 146 points in 463 career AHL games and 13 points across 78 NHL appearances. He was the recipient of the AHL’s Yanick Dupre Memorial Award in 2022 for his community service.

Boyd signed a one-year deal worth \$775,000 and is expected to provide offensive production and leadership for the Marlies. The 31-year-old scored 22 goals and 53 points in 63 games for the Iowa Wild last season, though he was held scoreless in three NHL games with Minnesota. Over his AHL career, Boyd has 225 points in 284 games and was named to the AHL Second All-Star Team in 2017. He previously played 20 games for the Maple Leafs during the 2020–21 season, notching eight points.

Groulx agreed to a two-year contract with an annual salary of \$812,000. The 25-year-old center registered 37 points in 47 games for the Hartford Wolf Pack last season. A 2018 second-round draft pick of the Anaheim Ducks, Groulx has recorded five points in 65 career NHL games and 127 points in 192 AHL games.

Pezzetta also signed a two-year contract at an annual rate of \$812,000. The 27-year-old forward went scoreless in 25 games with the Montreal Canadiens last season and has not played in the AHL since 2021. Hailing from Toronto, Pezzetta has posted 25 points and 186 penalty minutes in 115 career AHL games, along with 38 points in 200 NHL contests.

Boyd, Groulx, and Pezzetta are expected to help fill the void on the Marlies left by the departures of Alex Steeves and Nick Abruzzese.