John Merrill

[The Bottlenecker]

I have heard mixed reviews of this young D prospect for the Devils over the last two years? I would like to hear what people say about Merrill's recent promotion to the big club in New Jersey.

[Axeman33]

He's promoted because of an injury. He is going to be a solid piece of the New Jersey back end for years to come but they wanted to bring him along at a decent pace and let him spend the year in the AHL to climatize himself to the speed of the pro game after coming out of college. Chances are he will go back down once the injured players come back. Don't read too much into him going back down. It's not he's a fringe NHL player; he's just a young player coming out of college and will gain confidence and experience playing a year to two in the AHL. He WILL be a very good NHL defenceman.

[STONE.]

The early injury was a huge bummer, but I'm also excited about his potential.