Dakota Mermis is one step closer to a return to health.
The Toronto Maple Leafs loaned the defenceman to the AHL's Toronto Marlies for a conditioning stint, the team announced on Monday.
Mermis has been on injured reserve since Dec. 10 after taking a knee-on-knee hit from Tampa Bay Lightning forward Gage Goncalves.
He appeared in 11 games with the Maple Leafs on the season, scoring once.
The Maple Leafs are set to embark on a four-game road trip beginning Monday against the Colorado Avalanche.
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