Patience has been a virtue for the New Jersey Devils, and that patience has paid off. The foundation is laid, and the younger guys have developed to form the core that is in place. Jack Hughes and Nico Hischier lead the way but are complemented by Jesper Bratt and Timo Meier. The roster has rounded itself out over the last few seasons, and the Devils are true contenders.
The pipeline is littered with talent, as Luke Hughes, Simon Nemec, and Alexander Holtz are on the cusp of being full-time NHLers. However, a player who is starting to look like a steal as a middle of round one draft pick is in a contract year. Dawson Mercer is a core piece and should be moving forward.
Impacting the Devils From the Start
The New Jersey Devils selected Mercer in the first round of the 2020 NHL Entry Draft. Coincidentally, he was selected 11 picks after Alexander Holtz. The Devils have a force in Mercer, as he has worked hard since day one.
The moment Mercer’s skates touched down in training camp, he gave the Devils’ coaching staff every reason not to send him elsewhere. He works really hard and has translated that work ethic into the NHL.
Over the last two seasons, Mercer has gotten better and has impacted the Devils’ lineup. Good things are happening for the Devils when he is on the ice, as well. Here is where he ranks among specific categories:
- Corsi-For Percentage (CF%): 50.70% (14th)
- Expected Goals For (xGF): 104.12 (2nd)
- Goals For: 113 (3rd)
- High-Danger Attempts: 487 (3rd)
- High-Danger Goals: 67 (tied-for 1st)
The Devils are among the strongest teams at five on five, and Mercer has been a steady presence in that situation. When on the ice, the team is getting to the high-danger area and capitalizing on those chances. In addition, the puck is always on their sticks, and they are wearing opponents down. Not only is he impacting the team overall, but he is also having success individually.
Terrific Since Day 1
Mercer is getting it done individually and is seeing an increase in production. During his rookie season (2021-22), he scored 17 goals, 25 assists, and 42 points. He hit the ground running and was a steady presence in the lineup. However, he saw increased production during the team’s historic season in 2022-23.
Mercer took off in his sophomore season, showing there is no slump in his game. His ability to continue to work hard and get better showed during that season. He saw an increase in goals (27), assists (29), and points (56). What was great to see is that he scored above his expected rate and continued to produce. He has solidified his place among the core group and can play up and down the lineup and have success. Not only has he had great individual success, but he is also etched in the Devils history books.
Etched in Devils’ History Books
Phil Kessel is the most incredible iron man in the history of hockey. However, Mercer has his own iron man streak going and has made Devils’ history.
Mercer has played in every game since his entrance into the league, which includes all 82 games in the last two seasons. By doing this, he has surpassed former Devil Scott Gomez by playing 141-straight games to begin their respective careers in New Jersey. It is a testament to his work ethic and ability to care for his body. Furthermore, this comes as no surprise to his former coach, Bo Bennett.
Bennet said in an interview, “Dawson has done this at every level. I’m not going to say hockey is easy. Hockey isn’t easy at any level. From the outside looking at him, he makes it look easy.”
Hockey is not an easy sport, but Mercer has adapted and excelled professionally. Entering the 2023-24 season, he has one year remaining on his contract and is looking to stay in New Jersey.
An Extension Should Be A Priority
Dawson Mercer is an excellent hockey player and earned his spot in the Devils’ lineup. He has been consistent, a workhorse, and someone who has excelled at this level. His former coach, Bo Bennett, is certainly not surprised by any of this as he said, “He [Mercer] has adapted at every single level. No matter where you put him, he excels.”
The Devils have a deep roster entering the 2023-24 season, and Mercer could see an increase in his production. Most of the core group is locked up for the foreseeable future and he is the final piece to be locked up.
General manager Tom Fitzgerald has done a great job of locking players up long term and with money to spend, locking him up should not be a problem. In addition, Mercer wants to stick around, which makes the process much easier. The window to contending is just opening and he deserves to be part of it
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