### Toronto Maple Leafs Announce New Signings: Dakota Mermis, Philippe Myers, and Cédric Paré
On July 2, 2024, the Toronto Maple Leafs confirmed the acquisition of three new players: defensemen Dakota Mermis and Philippe Myers, along with forward Cédric Paré.
**Dakota Mermis**:
At 30 years old, Dakota Mermis comes with a robust background. During the 2023-24 season with the Minnesota Wild, he tallied eight points, consisting of three goals and five assists over 47 games. Additionally, Mermis held the captaincy for the Iowa Wild, contributing two assists in five games there. Standing at 6 feet tall and weighing 195 pounds, Mermis has a career total of 12 points from four goals and eight assists in 74 NHL regular-season games. His career spans stints with the Arizona Coyotes, New Jersey Devils, and Minnesota Wild. The Alton, Illinois native entered the NHL as a free agent with the Coyotes on July 2, 2015. Mermis has inked a one-year contract with the Maple Leafs, valued at $775,000.
**Philippe Myers**:
Philippe Myers, 27, brings significant experience from his previous engagements. Last season, he played five games with the Tampa Bay Lightning and 61 games with their AHL affiliate, the Syracuse Crunch, where he amassed 23 points through four goals and 19 assists and spent 67 minutes in the penalty box. Myers has participated in 158 regular-season NHL games, accumulating 36 points (eight goals and 28 assists). His tenure included a brief 16-game period with the Toronto Marlies (AHL) during the 2021-22 season, following a loan from the Nashville Predators. Myers, hailing from Moncton, New Brunswick, originally signed with the Philadelphia Flyers as a free agent on September 22, 2015. His new one-year deal with Toronto is worth $775,000.
**Cédric Paré**:
At 25, Cédric Paré has shown promising potential. Last season with the Colorado Eagles (AHL), Paré achieved 35 points, with 14 goals and 21 assists over 61 games, and also took part in two playoff matches. Paré stands at 6 feet 3 inches and weighs 205 pounds. Over his career in the AHL, he has recorded 69 points (27 goals and 42 assists) in 148 regular-season games and six points (four goals and two assists) in nine Calder Cup playoff games. Originally selected by the Boston Bruins in the sixth round of the 2017 NHL Draft, Paré has now signed a one-year, two-way contract worth $775,000 with the Maple Leafs.
This news follows a series of other significant updates and changes within the Maple Leafs organization, including recent staff updates, trades, and other player signings. These strategic moves indicate a strong intent by the Toronto Maple Leafs to bolster their roster and enhance their performance in the upcoming NHL season.
### Additional Recent Updates from the Toronto Maple Leafs:
1. **Signing of Forward Noah Gregor**: On October 10, 2023, the Maple Leafs signed forward Noah Gregor to a one-year contract, aiming to strengthen their offensive lineup.
2. **Staff Updates**: On October 9, 2023, the team announced several staff changes, emphasizing their commitment to improving team management and support.
3. **Trade with the Vancouver Canucks**: On October 8, 2023, the Maple Leafs completed a trade deal with the Vancouver Canucks, highlighting their active engagement in the trade market to enhance team capabilities.
4. **Training Camp Roster Announcement**: On September 20, 2023, the team released their roster for the 2023 training camp, providing fans and analysts with insights into the upcoming season’s lineup.
5. **Television and Radio Broadcast Schedule**: On September 19, 2023, the Maple Leafs announced their broadcast schedule for the 2023-24 season, ensuring that fans can follow the team’s journey throughout the season.
6. **2023 Prospects Tournament Roster**: The Maple Leafs unveiled their roster for the 2023 Prospects Tournament on September 12, 2023, showcasing emerging talent within the organization.
7. **Sheldon Keefe’s Contract Extension**: On August 30, 2023, the Maple Leafs signed head coach Sheldon Keefe to a multi-year contract extension, reflecting their confidence in his leadership.
8. **Signing of Defenceman Simon Benoit**: On August 28, 2023, the Maple Leafs signed defenceman Simon Benoit, adding depth to their defensive lineup.
9. **Auston Matthews’ Contract Extension**: On August 23, 2023, the Maple Leafs re-signed star player Auston Matthews to a four-year contract extension, securing a key player for the future.
10. **Mourning Rodion Amirov**: The organization mourned the loss of Rodion Amirov on August 14, 2023, paying tribute to the young player.
11. **Signing of First-round Pick Easton Cowan**: On August 11, 2023, the Maple Leafs signed their first-round pick Easton Cowan to an entry-level contract, investing in promising new talent.
12. **Rescheduling of Pre-season Game**: On August 10, 2023, the Maple Leafs rescheduled their pre-season game against the Detroit Red Wings, adjusting their preparation schedule.
13. **Signing of Goaltender Martin Jones**: On August 9, 2023, the Maple Leafs signed goaltender Martin Jones to a one-year contract, reinforcing their goaltending position.
14. **Re-signing of Nicholas Abruzzese**: On July 31, 2023, the team re-signed Nicholas Abruzzese to a two-year, two-way contract, maintaining continuity within their roster.
15. **Coaching Staff Additions**: On July 20, 2023, the Maple Leafs added Guy Boucher and Mike Van Ryn to their coaching staff, enhancing their strategic expertise.
16. **Hiring of Derek Clancey as Assistant GM**: On July 18, 2023, Derek Clancey was hired as Assistant GM, focusing on player personnel, signaling an organizational commitment to robust player development.
17. **John Gruden as Marlies Head Coach**: On July 4, 2023, John Gruden was named head coach of the Toronto Marlies, aiming to guide the AHL affiliate team.
18. **Signing of Forward Dylan Gambrell**: On July 3, 2023, the Maple Leafs signed forward Dylan Gambrell, further strengthening their roster.
The Toronto Maple Leafs continue to make strategic moves to bolster their roster and management team, preparing for a competitive and successful NHL season ahead. These recent signings and organizational changes reflect their dedication to maintaining a strong and dynamic team, capable of achieving significant success on the ice.
