Todd Cordell: Jon Merrill Leaves Michigan, Signs With the New Jersey Devils

woohoo!

But will he play?????

Look forward to seeing him in the line-up in the fall. Hopefully he's our version of Justin Schultz. But that's getting ahead of ourselves. Hopefully he's at least as good as Andy Greene.

But will he play?????
- gonzo126

Todd stated that he can only play in the AHL this year...

Must have missed that part.

Look forward to seeing him in the line-up in the fall. Hopefully he's our version of Justin Schultz. But that's getting ahead of ourselves. Hopefully he's at least as good as Andy Greene.
- archromat

Wasn't he projected for the first round, but slipped because he broke a team rule or something?

GREAT news. I would love to make a trip to Albany and see him in person

Wasn't he projected for the first round, but slipped because he broke a team rule or something?
- shvingter88

He could have slipped because he was bound for college. College bound players usually fall some ranks because their development is outside the team's system.

He could have slipped because he was bound for college. College bound players usually fall some ranks because their development is outside the team's system.
- archromat

Excellent point. Never thought of it like that

yes! So now both he and Boucher will finish out each of their year in Albany and both contracts kick in next season...I wonder if either if not both somehow get to the big club next season after camp. Personally Boucher needs to stay down a year, just like Matteau. Merrill I think could certainly grab a 5-6 spot.

He could have slipped because he was bound for college. College bound players usually fall some ranks because their development is outside the team's system.
- archromat

Look at this guy. That head is what makes the spread sheet dance.

Good news have been hearing about Merrill for years now looking forward to seeing what all they hype is about.. Boucher also hopefully can break into the NHL with our much needed scoring woes, and it also looks like I was in the same boat with every other GM in the league yesterday by saying Jokinen will clear waivers.

That means we can include one of our younger D in a trade package (Urbom)

Good news have been hearing about Merrill for years now looking forward to seeing what all they hype is about.. Boucher also hopefully can break into the NHL with our much needed scoring woes, and it also looks like I was in the same boat with every other GM in the league yesterday by saying Jokinen will clear waivers.
- Jeff_121

Boucher and Merrill will be in Albany next year together

That means we can include one of our younger D in a trade package (Urbom)
- Devils Advocate

excellent

Boucher and Merrill will be in Albany next year together
- Devils Advocate

I hope Merrill can keep everything straight in his life, and have a successful career. Michigan and Red Berenson really did right by him, and hopefully he takes advantage of the second chance.

On Boucher, his OHL season is likely over tonight, so you probably have him in the organization real soon as well.

yes! So now both he and Boucher will finish out each of their year in Albany and both contracts kick in next season...I wonder if either if not both somehow get to the big club next season after camp. Personally Boucher needs to stay down a year, just like Matteau. Merrill I think could certainly grab a 5-6 spot.
- FloridianDevil

I'd like Merrill in the minors for a full season too. I personally think every kid should play 1 season in the minors, with men.. unless he's a sure fire top player like Crosby etc. Boucher dominated the OHL. Let him dominate the AHL.. and then bring him to the most talented and fast league in the world. Same for Merrill and Matteau. Matteau had no business being with NJ this year. Maybe he learned some from it.. hope for the best.

Surprised no one took a shot on Jokinen. Only 3 million and as far as I know, no team has used up both of their amnesty buyouts. Getting wins in the shootout also is important for middle of the pack teams because the playoffs will probably be decided by a point again.

I'd like Merrill in the minors for a full season too. I personally think every kid should play 1 season in the minors, with men.. unless he's a sure fire top player like Crosby etc. Boucher dominated the OHL. Let him dominate the AHL.. and then bring him to the most talented and fast league in the world. Same for Merrill and Matteau. Matteau had no business being with NJ this year. Maybe he learned some from it.. hope for the best.
- MartysBetter88

Precisely. I think that when you throw these young 21 and 22 year olds into the big leagues, you're stunting their overall potential growth. Unless like you said they're a Crosby or of that caliber already. It can't hurt them. I'm sure Matteau learned a ton playing in NJ playing with Kovy, Zajac, and Brodeur. I'm certain his future is brighter for it.

He could have slipped because he was bound for college. College bound players usually fall some ranks because their development is outside the team's system.
- archromat

He slipped because of maturity issues, which he still seemed to run into problems with at Michigan.

We will see, but the kid has the talent and the tools. Just has to shape out his game off the ice, but I don't think there is any better organization to do so than New Jersey.

Woot. Times are a changing; hopefully some of these old, slow bums will be on their way off the blueline soon too.

Wasn't he projected for the first round, but slipped because he broke a team rule or something?
- shvingter88

smoked tha dope.