The Minnesota Wild are filling their defensive ranks, signing Jon Merrill to a one-year, $850,000 deal.
✍️ Another one!
The #mnwild has agreed to terms with defenseman Jon Merrill on a one-year, $850,000 contract.
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— Minnesota Wild (@mnwild) July 29, 2021
Minnesota Wild Sign Jon Merrill
The defenceman had a brief stay in Montreal for their Stanley Cup Final run. The Habs acquired Merrill from the Detroit Red Wings for a draft pick (Jack Bar) and Hayden Verbeek. Merrill’s 13 regular-season games were matched by 13 in the playoffs. He scored no points for the Canadiens in the regular season or the playoffs but added experienced depth for them. A second-round pick of the New Jersey Devils in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft, he was taken in the Vegas Golden Knights expansion.
He went to free agency in 2020, signing on with the Red Wings. Merrill picked up five assists in 36 games before the trade. That was enough to get the Habs’ interest as they stumbled into the playoffs. He didn’t play every game with them in the second season, but he was there when needed, often starting plays in his own end.
What Changes
He is more of a puck-mover than a physical defenceman despite his 6’3″ frame, and if the Wild are expecting more they will be disappointed. Still, it is a decent price point for an eight-year veteran – especially one who can play either side. That versatility puts him in good stead as most likely a 6-7 defenceman, ready to be called in when needed. He may be asked to replace the recently-departed Carson Soucy, but that’s a steep call. Still, it’s not hard to see that he will do better in a structured format like Minnesota’s rather than Detroit’s. It comes down to whether he can hold off the challenge of Calen Addison.
Not a bad safety net, nor an expensive one. For now, that’s all he is. It’s not much to brag about, but you’re always grateful for safety nets when you need one.
Main Photo: MONTREAL, QC – MAY 25: Goaltender Carey Price #31 makes a stick save near teammate Jon Merrill #28 of the Montreal Canadiens and Auston Matthews #34 of the Toronto Maple Leafs during the third period in Game Four of the First Round of the 2021 Stanley Cup Playoffs at the Bell Centre on May 25, 2021 in Montreal, Canada. The Toronto Maple Leafs defeated the Montreal Canadiens 4-0. (Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images)
