The Devils’ Top Goal Is To Sign Dawson Mercer Again.
After free agency started on July 1, Tom Fitzgerald did not waste any time in recruiting players to his squad to make New Jersey a team that might contend for the Stanley Cup. With Brett Pesce, Paul Cotter, and Brenden Dillon, the New Jersey Devils witnessed an instant improvement in both quality and physicality. Fitzgerald even included several well-known actors back, such as Stefan Noesen, Colton White, and Tomas Tatar. But one thing stayed constant during the Devils’ hectic week of action: Dawson Mercer’s restricted free agent (RFA) status. Mercer has not yet signed a new contract, but Fitzgerald did present a qualifying offer. Let’s examine some of the reasons why extending the young forward’s contract should be the Devils’ next course of action.
Dawson Mercer Is Crucial to the Young Core of the Devils
Mercer continues to be a vital component of New Jersey’s core, which also includes Jesper Bratt, Nico Hischier, and Jack Hughes. Throughout his three NHL seasons, Mercer has been a dependable cornerstone for the Devils, appearing in all 82 games. When needed, he can generate scoring opportunities, find space in front of the net, and score scrappy goals. It’s imperative that New Jersey acquires a player with substantial undeveloped potential. The Devils should sign Mercer to a long-term contract to guarantee his skill stays with the organization for the foreseeable future.
Mercer just concluded his $894,167 average annual value (AAV) three-year entry-level contract. The 22-year-old forward, who is from Newfoundland, was selected by the Devils with the 18th pick overall in the opening round of the 2020 NHL Draft. Prior to being chosen by the Drummondville Voltigeurs of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) in 2017, Mercer played prep hockey at Bishop’s College School. He even became well-known when competing for Canada in the IIHF World Junior Championship, where he took home silver in 2021 and gold in 2020. In2022, Mercer competed for Canada and earned silver once more while playing for the senior national team.
Mercer’s Achievements for the 2022–2023 Season
In retrospect, Mercer’s breakthrough season occurred two seasons earlier. He finished with a career-high 27 goals and 29 assists. He averaged 16:33 of ice time and scored 10 points on the power play to finish the season with a plus-22 rating. In April 2023, he also accomplished a personal goal by defeating the Pittsburgh Penguins and netting his first hat trick. Although Mercer showed his mettle in the 2022–2023 season, his lackluster play in the previous campaign may contribute to the present contract discussions.
It goes without saying that, like the rest of the Devils, Mercer had a less-than-perfect 2023–24 season. With 20 goals and 13 assists, his point total for the season was just lower than his 56 points for the prior year. His incessant switch between playing center and right wing was the most significant element in this deterioration. The fact that Nico Hischier and Jack Hughes missed a substantial chunk of the season owing to injuries was a major factor in the position shift. Even yet, Mercer’s season was nonetheless marked by a few victories, including his 60th goal and 125th point.
Vital Versatility
Mercer’s offensive skill set is still advantageous to New Jersey. He generates a ton of rebound opportunities and isn’t scared to shoot shots from difficult angles. His skill at moving the puck is impressive, and he plays a well-rounded game that makes him very successful on the power play and penalty kill. Mercer provides a superior playmaking talent that, when combined with superstar Jack Hughes, may make the Devils a formidable team in the upcoming 2024–25 campaign.
