New Jersey Devils Sign Dawson Mercer To Entry Level Deal -

New Jersey Devils Sign Dawson Mercer

With the NHL season back on the Devils are working hard to sign their players. First, it was Mackenzie Blackwood, now the Devils have signed Mercer. The Devils selected Mercer with one of their three first-round picks 18th overall in the 2020 NHL Draft. Mercer is one of six players representing the Devils organization at the 2021 World Junior Championships. He will open the tournament playing for Team Canada on December 26th in Edmonton. Mercer played for Canada in 2020 helping them win a gold medal. Prior to heading to Edmonton, Mercer started his second season with Chicoutimi in the QMJHL recording seven points (four goals and three assists). Last season he split time between Drummondville and Chicoutimi. Mercer finished with 60 points (24 goals and 36 assists) in 42 games. In 176 QMJHL games over three-plus seasons, Mercer has 69 goals and 88 assists for 157 points, averaging .89 points per game.

What To Expect

As Ben Kerr of Last Word on Hockey writes Mercer is a very good skater, who always keeps his feet moving which helps him play a 200-foot game. While he may not be the fastest player, his speed is well above average. He is very smart positionally and always keeps his feet moving, which allows him to beat defenders in one-on-one situations. In addition to his skating, Mercer has very good hands. As with his skating, he has the hands to be defenders one-on-one. Mercer has an excellent wrist shot thanks to his quick release. Having a quick release not only gives him a good wrist shot but a good snapshot, one-timer and backhand. Not to mention, Mercer is hard on the forecheck which creates turnovers.

In addition, Mercer has the intangibles every team likes. He is a very hard worker and can play in any situation the team asks of him. As we have seen with Team Canada. The Devils have a really good prospect in Dawson Mercer.

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