Oilers’ Travis Dermott, Jets’ Henri Nikkanen placed on waivers; Dakota Mermis claimed by Utah

Some more work on the waiver wire heading into the NHL’s holiday roster freeze.

On Thursday, the Edmonton Oilers placed defenseman Travis Dermott on waivers, while the Winnipeg Jets put forward Henri Nikkanen on unconditional waivers for the purposes of contract termination.

Also, the Utah Hockey Club claimed forward Dakota Mermis from the Toronto Maple Leafs.

#NHL Waivers today:#Oilers placed D Travis Dermott on waivers. #UtahHC claimed D Dakota Mermis on waivers from #Leafs.#nhljets placed F Henri Nikkanen on unconditional waivers for purposes of contract termination.

— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) December 12, 2024

Mermis, who was placed on waivers on Wednesday, hasn’t played a game at all this season, as he has spent over two months recovering from jaw surgery that he had performed during the preseason. Mermis had been with the Maple Leafs’ American Hockey League affiliate, the Toronto Marlies, on a conditioning loan, posting an assist in three games so far.

Dermott originally arrived in Edmonton on a professional tryout agreement and was impressive enough during the preseason to earn a one-year, $775,000 contract. Unfortunately for the 27-year-old, he has found himself in the press box more than the lineup, spending a lot of the first two months of the season as a healthy scratch.

Dermott has registered no points in 10 appearances, last playing on Nov. 19 against the Ottawa Senators. He has averaged a little over 13 minutes of ice time per game, posting a plus/minus of -3.

Nikkanen was taken by the Jets in the fourth round, 113th overall, of the 2019 NHL Draft. However, he has never played in an NHL regular season game. He signed his entry-level contract in April 2022, but has spent all his time with the Jets’ primary affiliate, the Manitoba Moose. The Finnish center’s production, along with his playing time, has diminished since his rookie season. In 2024-25, he played in 13 of the Moose’s 21 games, scoring a goal and four points.

In 140 AHL games, Nikkanen has posted 13 goals and 19 assists for 32 points, appearing in eight Calder Cup Playoff games as well.

The only other players put on the wire on Wednesday, the Leafs’ Alex Nylander and San Jose Sharks defenseman Valtteri Pulli, both cleared. Nylander has been assigned to the Marlies. Pulli is now expected to continue his career in Europe.