The Toronto Maple Leafs are adding some reinforcements ahead of their road trip.
Defencemen Dakota Mermis and Cole McWard have been recalled from the AHL's Toronto Marlies, the team announced Friday.
The move comes after defenceman Nick Blankenburg was placed on injured reserve after leaving Thursday's game against the New York Rangers with an undisclosed injury. Toronto is also without Chris Tanev and Marshall Rifai, who are both week-to-week with a lower-body injuries.
Mermis, 32, was placed on waivers after training camp after appearing in 11 games last season. In seven games with the Marlies, Mermis had an assist.
McWard signed a two-year, $1.75 million contract with the Leafs this past off-season. The 25-year-old has three assists in five games this season.
The Maple Leafs return to action Saturday against the Edmonton Oilers (Sportsnet, Sportsnet+, 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT).
