Former Leaf is healthy again, and his next move will decide his NHL future
Photo credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Per a report from Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman, former Maple Leaf defenseman Travis Dermott has recovered from surgery and is evaluating his options as he works toward returning to pro hockey.
After recovering from left shoulder surgery, former Maple Leafs blueliner Travis Dermott is working toward getting his career back on track.
The former 34th overall pick has been beset by injuries the past several seasons although is still a capable depth defender, he just needs to get himself in game shape before he contemplates what's next.
According to Elliotte Friedman, Dermott is training and skating as he works toward returning to the NHL.
Posting on X, Friedman noted that Dermott had left shoulder surgery in July and is now skating in Mississauga as he looks for a landing spot:
Travis Dermott - who has played 348 NHL games - had left shoulder surgery to correct some recurring problems on July 23
Now healthy, he is training and skating in Mississauga, looking for a landing spot to resume his career.
Good luck to him
Now healthy, he is training and skating in Mississauga, looking for a landing spot to resume his career.
Good luck to him
Dermott has only skated in 80 games the past three seasons, struggling to stay healthy long enough to regain the form he showed early in his Leafs tenure.
In 251 games with the Maple Leafs, Dermott had 52 points (12 goals, 40 assists), 214 blocks, 311 hits, 100 PIM and a plus-28 rating.
What Travis Dermott's recovery actually means for his career timeline
But this recovery schedule means that he could draw interest for a PTO or AHL opportunity once fully ready.
He's still young at 28, and while he lost a couple of seasons previous due to injury, hopefully this surgery addresses the issue that has limited him the past few seasons.
Several teams, including the Maple Leafs, are always looking at affordable depth options on defense, and Dermott has proven to be capable of providing at least a depth role on most teams.
It may take some time before Dermott is fully ready for game action, but he's working to make that sooner than later because he could be a useful depth option for a team looking for cheap help on the blueline.
| POLL | ||
NOVEMBRE 26|1230 ANSWERS Former Leaf is healthy again, and his next move will decide his NHL future Do you think Travis Dermott would be a good signing for the Toronto Maple Leafs? | ||
| Yes | 471 | 38.3 % |
| No | 759 | 61.7 % |
| List of polls | ||