Observations:

November 2015 – After skating in 66 games iwth the Devils in 2014-15, Merrill entered his third full NHL season with the club coming off a career high 14 points. Through 16 games in 2015-16, Merrill is still seeking his first point of the campaign. Brendan Ross

June 2014 – Merrill didn't make the big club initially, but in late November he was called up and is here to stay. After two points in his first 23 games, Merrill picked up nine in his last 29. Not eye-popping numbers, but they definitely improved as he got more comfortable. He showed flashes of poise mixed with some occasional risk taking. With experience, he'll nail down the right time to take risks versus playing it safe. The emergence of Eric Gelinas will hurt Merrill's power-play time early on in his career. Dobber

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April 2013 – After opting to leave the University of Michigan to turn pro, Jon Merrill has joined the Albany Devils of the AHL. In a trio of games, the 2010 second-round selection has picked up five assists. His early production is outstanding and while I wouldn't expect him to continue on that pace, it certainly is promising from a fantasy standpoint. Brendan Ross

March 2013 – Merrill has concluded his career at Michigan, signing an entry-level deal with the Devils. Merrill will report to Albany in the AHL, where he will likely spend the rest of the season. He has a shot at making the Devils next fall, but is still at least a couple of years away from making a fantasy impact. Rich Dillon

October, 2012 – Merrill is expected to be out of action for at least six weeks after suffering a fractured vertabrae in his neck during Michigan's exhibition game on October 9th. He is expected to make a full recovery.  Rich Dillon

February, 2012 – Merrill, a sophomore at the University of Michigan, is a solid two-way player with loads of international experience. He recently rejoined his Wolverine teammates following a 22-game suspension for breaking unspecified team rules. Suffice to say it must have been more than being late for a practice.  Merrill has the size, skating ability, and defensive awareness to play in the NHL. Rich Dillon

Fantasy Outlook: B+

Merrill is probably in the NHL to stay, but his offensive upside will take several years to reach.

Footage:

Jon Merrill highlight:

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