While the start of the NHL season is still over a month away, training camps and preseason are coming soon with the Devils yet to re-sign their young forward.
It’s August 29th; the New Jersey Devils roster is basically set for the upcoming 2024-25 NHL season.
With one exception.
Restricted free agent forward Dawson Mercer remains without a contract.
Now, there’s no need to panic here, we haven’t even reached the start of September yet (though obviously it’ll be here really soon) so both sides still have time to come to a deal. While I’m sure most fans and supporters of the team would’ve preferred to have seen it done already, such is not always the case in professional sports. The Devils still have a good chunk of cap space (just under $5 million) so what is holding up a deal here?
I don’t think it is dissatisfaction on either side of the table, as Mercer has been an integral piece since joining the team. Through three full NHL seasons now, he has yet to miss a game, or to be healthy scratched for one. His point total regression, however, could be a touchy point in negotiations. Additionally, another issue is that Mercer may want a bit more per season if he were to take a long-term deal, so finding a sweet spot for a bridge contract could be a point of contention. The Devils, I’m sure want to give themselves cap flexibility once the trade deadline rolls around as well just in case they want to add a player or two. There could be other factors affecting the discussion too, but from an outsider perspective, these are typically hurdles that get in the way.
Time, is ticking as we said; training camp is set to open in early-mid September. Missing the start of camp and/or the preseason isn’t the death knell for a player’s season, but it certainly doesn’t help. No one wants Mercer missing any time obviously, and it would help him not to, as the Devils need to find some forward lines that work right off the bat. There may not be as many young, non-roster players pushing for a spot this season, but if I’m Mercer, I’d rather be competing and pushing for a Top 6 role rather than having to settle for whatever spot is open if I were to miss training camp/preseason action.
While I would prefer the Devils to lock him up long-term now, I don’t think that will be the case due to the remaining cap space the team has at the moment. While some could argue less than $5 million per season is fair for Mercer right now based on how his 2023-24 went, he’s shown potential from his first two campaigns to be worth more than that. Why would he sign something that limits his earning potential long-term after one down season? I think the bridge deal is more likely here because of the stat drop, and it would help both team and player right now. Mercer gets to re-establish a higher value for himself (with hopes of the salary cap going up as well) while the Devils lock him in for a cheaper rate in a season where cap space could be at a premium.
While the bridge deal seems the logical way to go, I can only assume the two sides haven’t agreed upon dollars as the reason Mercer doesn’t have a new deal yet. This weekend marks the beginning of September, and time will quickly bleed towards NHL activities beginning. The Devils and Mercer need to find some common ground soon, as it will be the best way to ensure the roster is as close to full strength as possible in a season where expectations will be high and results will be demanded.
What are your thoughts on the Devils’ contract situation with Dawson Mercer; do you think a deal gets done prior to training camp opening? Should the team be trying to sign him to a long term deal at a cap hit equal to or less than their remaining cap for this season? Are you more in favor of a bridge deal? Do you worry about him having to play “catch up” if he doesn’t sign prior to the team reconvening? Leave any and all comments below and thanks as always for reading!