If you move Mercer to 3C what do you do with Hischier?
Devils team discussion (news, notes and speculation) - part XXIV
- Thread starter NJDevs26
- Start date
-
HFBoards is well aware that today is election day in the US. We ask respectfully to focus on hockey and not politics.
- Status
Buck Dancer
Registered User
- Jul 13, 2021
- 3,007
- 1,756
Dawson Mercer is an elite talent and he should be a mainstay on our 1st line. The last thing I want is to demote him by having to play with Tatar and a rookie.
If signing Nuke means dropping Mercer, I’ll pass. We also have Holtz who’ll look to crack our roster. At some point, we’re going to have to move some guys because we won’t be able to fit everyone.
If signing Nuke means dropping Mercer, I’ll pass. We also have Holtz who’ll look to crack our roster. At some point, we’re going to have to move some guys because we won’t be able to fit everyone.
Clam Jensen
Registered User
They’re way more obsessed with us than us with them.
AfroThunder396
[citation needed]
I really don't want Mercer playing center again, he's much better suited to wing.
I'd like to get to a point where 1st line/2nd line/3rd line doesn't really mean anything. I want to be able to roll all 3 of our top lines interchangeably. So if you have Mercer on the "3rd line" I don't really care as long as it's with to other good players who can produce points and defend.
If we could get a middle-6 C in the mold of a Vincent Trocheck or similar kind of player with Mercer on one side and Tatar on the other side I'd be totally fine with that as our "3rd line."
But in this scenario where we add a top-6 guy AND sign a veteran middle-6 C (before addressing goaltending), cap space is going to dry up quickly.
I'd like to get to a point where 1st line/2nd line/3rd line doesn't really mean anything. I want to be able to roll all 3 of our top lines interchangeably. So if you have Mercer on the "3rd line" I don't really care as long as it's with to other good players who can produce points and defend.
If we could get a middle-6 C in the mold of a Vincent Trocheck or similar kind of player with Mercer on one side and Tatar on the other side I'd be totally fine with that as our "3rd line."
But in this scenario where we add a top-6 guy AND sign a veteran middle-6 C (before addressing goaltending), cap space is going to dry up quickly.
In no realistic world does a third line ever affect the game as much as a first line
AfroThunder396
[citation needed]
SteveCangialosi123
Registered User
In the best timeline for this team, Mercer can cut it at center and drive his own line. It remains to be seen if he’ll be able to do it, but that would be the best scenario. I wouldn’t put it past him with how well his development has gone.
Buck Dancer
Registered User
- Jul 13, 2021
- 3,007
- 1,756
Giving Mercer at least one player that would compliment his game would be ideal. If we can have three duo's and plug in a 3rd forward on each line, we'd have a stacked offense.
With that said, I want to see him with Jack or Nico moving forward instead of putting him down the middle with two anchors.
Mercer with Hughes is pretty underwhelming so far, underwater in shots for/against, slightly above in xG. Could be because Mercer is wearing down, but I'm definitely not writing Mercer/Hughes as a line in pen next season. I'd like to see Mercer get another chance at center, I don't really see what makes him a standout winger at all.
I’d say its his shiftiness and elusiveness along the boards that makes him a commodity at wing. The way he makes space for himself with the puck is impressive.
Buck Dancer
Registered User
- Jul 13, 2021
- 3,007
- 1,756
What Mercer needs is stability. He's been bounced around up and down our lineup since day #1 and was moved from center to winger as well. For a 20 year old rookie, he's been lights out when taking into consideration what he's been through in his 1st NHL season. Ruff would do the same to a veteran and I'm sure he wouldn't respond as well as Mercer did. This kid is going to be a legit stud.
Also, it's only normal that a kid like him who plays the game "pedal to the metal" on every single shift is starting to fade on the back end of a 82 game schedule. He might not be raking up the stats that analytic people like to look at but he wins those important board battles that go unnoticed in those metrics and that's just as good, if not better, in my books than having a good CORSI, xG, shots for/against, etc.
SteveCangialosi123
Registered User
Most of Mercer’s stat line looks remarkably similar to Henrique’s rookie year. Obviously it’s a totally different situation with the team and linemates, but I would be very happy with a similar career path for Dawson.
Devils731
Registered User
- Jun 23, 2008
- 12,947
- 18,403
I think and hope Mercer has a career arc higher than Henrique.
Mercer is younger and didn’t get an AHL adjustment season so I think this season is more impressive, even if it’s worse than Henrique’s statistically.
Primary production wise Mercer actually has 3 more pts. Rico had 13 more second assists. At 5v5 Mercer has 9 more primary pts. He nearly has as many primary pts as Rico had total 5v5 pts. 30 vs 32
- Apr 20, 2005
- 2,787
- 1,786
Important board battles are reflected in Corsi, so that's why I look at it. Winning a board battle means very little unless it leads to a shot attempt for or prevents a shot attempt against. It's nice to win them, and the Devils need players who can win more of them, but unless it gets reflected on the shot board in some way it's not doing a whole lot.
Tao Jersey Jones
Registered User
He mentioned Muk and Misyul but not Gritsyuk. Gritsyuk confirmed never coming to NA
Gritsyuk will be joining Popugaev's social media project.
Tao Jersey Jones
Registered User
That interview was before the trade deadline and before Schmid dropped from leading the AHL in GAA and SV% to 12th and 15th.
Blender
Registered User
- Dec 2, 2009
- 52,523
- 46,252
"Never" might be strong, but I would not expect any unsigned Russians to come over any time soon.
Blender
Registered User
- Dec 2, 2009
- 52,523
- 46,252
I don't think he has the agility Jack does, but Luke's straight line skating seems just as strong or stronger than jack's.
- Dec 20, 2018
- 22,675
- 50,599
The NHL policy still is not to sign guys you know as of now to have a valid KHL contract.
We already knew Grits was signed with his KHL team for the 22/23 season.
SKNJD9
Hi, I'm mat.
I think Grit will come over eventually but it will be a NHL or bust situation. He'll either make the team or go back home
Eggtimer
Registered User
I have wanted Nuke for a long time now. I really hope he makes it to UFA and we toss enough $$ at him to convince him to play here. Like it’s been said , he is a better version of Coleman in my opinion and is exactly what we need. He is a stud at PP , PK and defensive play plus contributes offensively . He would look great and fit in on almost on any line . A “must have” if he makes it to UFA, overpayment or not .
- Status
