Coming into this year’s training camp, there was not a spot available on the New Jersey Devils’ roster for forward Dawson Mercer. Just a couple months later, there is no possible way to imagine a Devils’ roster without the Mercer.
The 20-year-old forward has made quite the name for himself to start the season. With eight points (4G, 4A) on the year, Mercer is beginning to garner league-wide attention as one of the top rookies to start the season.
When the Devils announced that Jack Hughes would be out an extended period of time, the feeling around the team was that every player would have to step up with the young superstar out. This is when Mercer’s minutes began to grow and he found a home with linemates Andreas Johnsson and Jesper Bratt.
As the young season has worn on, Mercer is displaying the same confidence that made him a 2020 first-round draft pick.
With three points in his last two games, Mercer is not only contributing to the team but becoming a driving force behind the offense and the success the team has. New Jersey currently sits in the Eastern Conference’s first wild card spot with a 7-3-2 record.
Without the emergence of Mercer, who knows where the Devils would be after the injury to Hughes. His impact alone is enough to warrant early Calder Trophy consideration.
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