Maple Leafs Assign Defenseman to the Marlies, Fueling Trade Speculation

After Saturday's 2-1 loss to the Vancouver Canucks, the Maple Leafs head into the 4 Nations break with a lot of work ahead of them upon return.

But by demoting defensemen Dakota Mermis late Saturday night -- could the team be gearing up for a trade?

The speculation has run rampant in the last 24 hours as not only has the Mermis demotion sparked trade talks, but the absence of both Fraser Minten and Nikita Grebenkin has made trade speculation even crazier.

With all that said -- is there a method behind Brad Treliving's madness?

Mermis was called up on Feb. 3 while the team demoted Fraser Minten. It was a surprising move by the Maple Leafs as Minten was seen as a solid bottom line forward while Mermis has yet to play.

But Toronto needs to make a trade and with them being so heavily linked to names like Brayden Schenn and Brock Nelson -- you know these roster moves have deeper intentions.

Mermis has not yet played for the Maple Leafs this year after recovering from jaw surgery but has one NHL game played with Utah after he was claimed off waivers -- then reclaimed off waivers by Toronto a short time after.

For his career, Mermis has 4 goals and 8 assists in 75 games with Arizona, New Jersey, Minnesota, and Utah. He signed a one-year deal with Toronto this summer.

There is no corresponding move made by the team which leaves a roster spot open for a potential trade acquisition.

While this may just be a simple roster transaction, it is odd to see Toronto free up a spot without another move. Which makes the trade talks a little bit louder.