The Devils are working hard to finalize a contract with Dawson Mercer.
Negotiations for the restricted free agent have been ongoing, but there’s hope that both sides will settle on a bridge deal before training camp starts on Wednesday. Talks had stalled over the summer until GM Tom Fitzgerald mentioned last month that he had exchanged proposals with Mercer’s team and was pushing for an agreement. Recent reports suggest a short-term contract is likely. Earlier this month, Brian La Rose from PHR analyzed potential comparisons for Mercer’s upcoming deal, ruling out long-term options.
Currently, the Devils have under $5 million in projected cap space to finalize the deal, according to PuckPedia. This amount might increase slightly if defenseman Luke Hughes is placed on long-term injured reserve due to his shoulder injury . However, they need enough cap space to activate him quickly since his absence isn’t expected to last beyond early November.
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Given Mercer’s recent performance, a bridge deal with a cap hit below $5 million seems reasonable for both parties. Despite playing all 82 games and maintaining his ironman streak, Mercer’s third NHL season was his worst yet in terms of assists (13), rating (-26), and shots on goal (134). He did manage 20 goals for the second time though and remains a valuable top-six utility player who can fill any forward position.
Fans might think this news is promising as it shows commitment from both sides.
Mercer turns 23 in October and although he had 56 points in his sophomore year, this past season was more challenging which affected his short-term earnings. His versatility still makes him an important asset for the team despite these setbacks.
What do you think about Mercer’s potential new contract?
