Today, the Devils announced that they have signed Dawson Mercer, the club’s second 2020 first round draft pick (18th overall), to a three-year, entry-level contract.
The native of Carbonear, Newfoundland will be a Devil for three years, barring a trade.
Mercer just turned 19-years-old on October 27 and will be participating in the 2021 World Junior Championship, representing Canada in Edmonton. According to the press release put out by the Devils today, Mercer is one of six returning players for Team Canada. He won a gold medal at last year’s tournament.
Mercer played junior hockey with the Chicoutimi Sagueneens of the Quebec League where he wore a letter on his jersey, being named an alternate captain according to the press release. Last season, he played for both the Drummondville Voltigeurs and the Sags, notching 24 goals and 36 assists for 60 points in 42 games spread between the two teams.
Last season, Mercer was named the recipient of the Michael Bossy Trophy (“awarded annually to a player in the QMJHL judged to be the best professional prospect”) an award won in 2017 by Nico HIschier when he was a member of the Halifax Mooseheads.
Of the seven players drafted by an NHL team from Newfoundland and Labrador in the first round, Mercer is the fourth highest pick according to the press release.