A former Leaf just hit waivers, and it's a sign the market is about to get crowded

On Tuesday afternoon, the Toronto Maple Leafs placed defenseman Dakota Mermis on waivers as they look to make a few roster changes and needed the cap and roster space to do so.

However there was another name who was also placed on the waiver wire, that being former Maple Leaf Zach Aston-Reese; who was assigned by the Columbus Blue Jackets.

It could spell the end of his time in the NHL, at least for this season although he could make a cheap pickup for a contender needing some extra grit on their fourth line.

But it also could signal that the NHL market is about to heat up as well. Aston-Reese could be used as a trade piece, and it might start a chain of events where we see several names being waived in order to make room for new additions.

The Maple Leafs have a few players they can still put on the wire if needed, such as Philippe Myers and Matt Benning, but it will be interesting to see who is on the cusp, and there may be some sneaky deals at the end of the day.

There are also a ton of players who are returning from injury for various teams and with needing to open up space, players like Aston-Reese have to go.

This season, he's recorded five points in 26 games with the Blue Jackets, though put up his highest goal total (10) as a member of the Maple Leafs back in the 2022-23 season.

There is no guarantee that this spells the end of his time in the NHL, but seeing how stingy and protective teams are of their money it means that unless he signs for the league minimum or slightly above; he may be headed overseas.

For now, teams will have 24 hours to claim Aston-Reese off waivers, and if he isn't then the Blue Jackets will likely assign him to the AHL.

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Maple Leafs place a defenceman on waivers, and it could signal a bigger move