Mercer, C or W?

[minibrodeur]

I've noticed in a few recent posts that Mercer was slotted in as a future top 6 wing. Personally, I always viewed him as our future 3C, but I see arguments for both sides. The current team makeup has more space at RW than C. Does he slot there for the foreseeable future? If we think he's destined for center, do we make roster changes to get him more reps at C? Interested to hear everyone's thoughts!

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[Devs3cups]

Mercer would be a good option for the 3C spot, but I’ve really liked what I’ve seen from him at the wing, and I think that should be the move going forward.

 

[njdevil26]

I guess it depends! I am cool with him in either position. Boqvist proved to be a great option for 3C this last year which pushed Mercer to wing... if Holtz doesn't take the next step, we will need Mercer at wing unless they sign a free agent RW.

If Mercer improves on his rookie year, we won't be able to keep him at 3C either.

 

[TBF1972]

there is no need to fix him to either center or wing. his versatility is an asset, which gives the devils flexibility especially in case of injuries. they should give him reps at both position.

 

[The Wumpus]

WhyNotBoth.jpg

 

[Forge]

I think ultimately he sticks at wing, but its nice to have the versatility.

 

[NJDevs26]

Mercer would be a good option for the 3C spot, but I’ve really liked what I’ve seen from him at the wing, and I think that should be the move going forward.

Why? He produced more at C earlier in the season than at winger later

 

[My3Sons]

Why? He produced more at C earlier in the season than at winger later

That's a valid point but both are arguably relatively small sample sizes and there may be external factors influencing his later season numbers. In any event, to me, it's too early to worry about it. They have all of next season to figure it out. Based on the way this season ended, they'd probably start him off on Jack's wing but if Holtz or Thompson or Zetterlund develop and Boquist doesn't continue to improve I could certainly see Mercer as a center.

Add in the obligatory - Doesn't NJ already have its 3C in Hischier?

 

[Zippy316]

I've noticed in a few recent posts that Mercer was slotted in as a future top 6 wing. Personally, I always viewed him as our future 3C, but I see arguments for both sides. The current team makeup has more space at RW than C. Does he slot there for the foreseeable future? If we think he's destined for center, do we make roster changes to get him more reps at C? Interested to hear everyone's thoughts!

With the team severely lacking RHS, he’s likely going to bounce around quite a bit from center to wing.

I think there’s also an argument to be made the Devils could benefit from an experienced center behind Hughes/Hischier. Then they would keep Mercer at RW in the meantime and move him to center when injuries strike.

 

[Jason MacIsaac]

It is clear at this point of his career he is far more useful as a winger. I'm not sure I see the positioning and hockey sense without the puck to excel at center.

 

[Devs3cups]

Why? He produced more at C earlier in the season than at winger later

I'm fully aware of that, I just felt he looked better there even if the production dipped, most likely due to fatigue. With all that being said, I don't really mind it either way. The thing for me is mostly who he plays with. I'd much rather see him with good players in the top-6 at the wing, than with subpar 3rd line wingers. If we have a solid 3rd line, I don't mind if he plays 3C.

 

[McDuffz88]

He's too good to be on the 3rd line. Especially when we have a complete lack of RWs.

 

[minibrodeur]

Is he too good to be the 3C on a cup team? I agree with @My3Sons that we still have next year to figure it out, as there's still some question marks to be answered. His versatility is definitely an asset but I'd be hesitant to leave him in a rover position for too long if the goal is C. If he's to play that shutdown C role, the more C experience he can get the better.

 

[devilsfan35]

I really like him at center but he’s also played well next to Nico when ruff paired them together. I see him as a center replacement in case any of Nico or jack get injured, similar to what Edmonton does with draisaitl

 

[SKNJD9]

I really like him at center but he’s also played well next to Nico when ruff paired them together. I see him as a center replacement in case any of Nico or jack get injured, similar to what Edmonton does with draisaitl

Played great next to Jack as well. Put him on one of their wings and go get a vet 3C, as much as I like Boqvists development late last season we need some experience added in, especially in the forward core

 

[Hockey Sports Fan]

He's too good to be on the 3rd line. Especially when we have a complete lack of RWs.

With the lack of RW and Boqvist starting to solidify himself as an NHLer, i agree with this. Though i don’t think it’s a coincidence that the Devils were winning games when Mercer and Johnsson were part of a dynamic, scoring 3rd line. Having high end players in your bottom-6 should be the goal.

 

[Guadana]

Mercer is top 6 talent. May be Holtz will score more on NHL level someday, but hockey is about two way game. Mercer has huge obvious two way potential. And as winger he is better, because he can't close enough gaps and zone in the center, but work hard and right on the wing. He can replace Nico and Jack, when they will hurt. Other time he is too good to limit his ice time. He is third-forth the most talented player on this team, and using his talent in limited time with limited role isn't a good move. Center isn't the perfect role for him - he isn't top notch playmaker, and limited ice time and poor partners is a waste of his huge talent. He played closely to the Raymond level and guys are from the same draft, zegras is year older.

 

[njdevils1982]

With the lack of RW and Boqvist starting to solidify himself as an NHLer, i agree with this. Though i don’t think it’s a coincidence that the Devils were winning games when Mercer and Johnsson were part of a dynamic, scoring 3rd line. Having high end players in your bottom-6 should be the goal.

ya, i think its a stretch to call johnsson a "high end player"

 

[Devils090]

Keep him at W and slot him at C if ever we need to, Boqvist should be 3C starting out next year

 

[Hockey Sports Fan]

ya, i think its a stretch to call johnsson a "high end player"

I was clearly talking about Mercer.

 

[HugeInTheShire]

In all likelihood he’ll play wing until they need him to play center

 

[goonybird]

His defensive acumen is good for his age but still pretty rough. Liked him much more as a wing, especially on the boards where we have a bunch of guys who are terrible at puck battles.

 

[Captain3rdLine]

Wing all day. Especially when considering who we have at center already.

 

[My3Sons]

Keep him at W and slot him at C if ever we need to, Boqvist should be 3C starting out next year

If Boquist is starting out at 3C and McLeod is still on the team as 4C what do you do with Hischier?