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The Jon Merrill Situation: To Stay or Go? |
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On October 1st, Jon Merrill was suspended 12 games for reasons unknown to the general public. It was a team enforced infraction, rather than a punishment handed down from the league. To make things worse, it was the second time that Merrill had found himself with a suspension handed down by his team at the time.
In 2010, Merrill was considered a Top 10 Prospect and one of the better two-way defense prospects out there. ISS had ranked him at 11 in their final rankings prior to the June Draft. Merrill would go on to slide to 38th Overall where New Jersey would get a 'steal' as far as talent is concerned.
Reports then started to come out that many scouts were "disgusted" at what Merrill had done to receive his first suspension from the U.S. National Development Team. Not only what he had done, but the fact that he really didn't care what he did.
Now in his second year with the University of Michigan and Merrill is facing his second round of discipline and is scheduled to miss twelve games, good for a quarter of his entire season. He was allowed to remain with the team for practice purposes, but refused to show up, according to reports.
He now has til Christmas before he'll likely play, which likely will affect any shot he has at the World Junior Championships.
Needless to say, it's been a bump couple of years for the Brighton, Michigan native.
The news of the past month in the 'prospect world' has revolved around the idea that Merrill could leave his University commitment for the Ontario Hockey League's Plymouth Whalers. That speculation was fueled by a surprise visit at a Whalers game by the aforementioned Merrill.
Now there's several ways to look at it.
Merrill could stay with Michigan, whether that be out of loyalty to the program, familiarity, a recognition for what he's done, or an affinity to college co-eds. However, he'll likely only see around 25-30 games, in which many could argue that development may be a tad stunted.
He could also sign with Plymouth. Whether running away from his problems or recognizing he needs to see playing time, hockey fans could argue that the 50 Regular Season games plus however many Playoff games would help him with the apparent lack of play Merrill has faced over his career because of suspensions.
Needless to say, what's the right answer? I don't know. But I think it's up to Merrill and Devils Management to do what's best for his long term maturity and development. He's an asset, and a very good one at that.
But if reports and rumors are true, don't expect Merrill to be leaving Michigan just yet.
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