Dermott’s first call-up taste of what’s ahead
AHL all-star defenceman unlikely to face Canucks but versatily draws attention
Defenceman Travis Dermott has a 1,000-watt smile and a positive personality to go along with it.
And that was before he was called up from the AHL’s Marlies to practise with the Maple Leafs as they prepared for Saturday’s home game against Vancouver.
It was his first-ever call-up, a memorable moment for the AHL all-star and his family. But beyond practising, Leafs coach Mike Babcock said it was uncertain whether he would see a lot of playing time.
“We don’t want to get him in there before he’s ready, but if he can help this team . . . we’ll see,” Babcock said after practice.
“We think he’s a good player … Is he NHL ready? If he comes in and he makes a difference, he’s in the lineup. If he’s not ahead of anyone else, then we’ll have a veteran play there.”
Dermott will have to earn a spot in the top six. If he doesn’t, he’ll be sent back to the Marlies and play regularly rather than be an extra in the NHL.
Based on the defensive pairings during practice, Dermott will likely sit for Saturday’s game at the Air Canada Centre. They were the same as in Thursday’s win over the San Jose Sharks. Dermott practised as an extra.
The challenge is outperforming veterans Roman Polak and Connor Carrick. To improve his chances, Dermott has been used in expanded roles with the Marlies lately, to enhance his versatility.
Dermott started the season in a top defence pair with first-round pick Timothy Liljegren, and as a penaltykill specialist. In the past two games, he’s been handed power-play time and was moved to the right side on defence.
As a left-handed shot, the move to the right was interesting since the Leafs are dominated by left-shooting blue-liners at the NHL level (Morgan Rielly, Jake Gardiner, Ron Hainsey Andreas Borgman and Martin Marincin).
The Leafs also lent Marincin to the Marlies on Friday, opening a window of at least a game or two for Dermott to show what he can do.
“There’s been no indications. I’m as in the dark about this as you are,” said Dermott — a friend of Connor McDavid’s growing up (their dads are buddies) who played with McDavid and Leafs winger Connor Brown with the OHL’s Erie Otters in 2013-14 — about his outlook for ice time.
“It was just great to get the call today (from Marlies GM Kyle Dubas). That’s all you can as for as a player, a chance to go out and do your best. It’s exciting.”
Regardless of how much he plays, it’s clear the Leafs are developing Dermott to be a part of their top six for the future. The expansion of his skill set is a key development for a young player.
More immediately, Dermott could offer depth to Leafs’ defence corps that critics suggest might not be deep enough for an extended playoff run.
Naturally, trade talk is surfacing, and will only increase as the Feb. 26 deadline approaches.
For now, Dermott is being dropped into an already good team.
“I feel like my season has gone well,” Dermott said. “I’m getting more opportunities on the power play and more important shifts. I’d like to say I’m prepared, but I guess we’ll see.”