Ten months ago, Dawson Mercer arrived at Hockey Canada’s world junior team selection camp in Oakville, Ont., one of 17 forwards and 31 players hoping to play in the 2020 world juniors in the Czech Republic.
He impressed coach Dale Hunter from the get-go.
Not saying Mercer, who was off to a quick start in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League and a very strong showing in the Canadian Hockey League’s Canada-Russia series, was unknown to Hunter, but the was no Joe Veleno, who had been playing in the American Hockey League and released by the Detroit Red Wings for the world juniors. Or Connor McMichael, the leading scorer in the Ontario Hockey League for Hunter’s London Knights.
And he didn't know Mercer from the Canadian team’s summer development camp months prior to the main selection camp; Mercer had been left off the invitation list for that gathering.
But Hunter had paid attention to Mercer during the fall Canada-Russia exhibition series and he loved the Newfoundlander's game. Loved his speed and grit and his hockey sense.
However, the coach had different plans for the Drummondville Voltigeurs centreman from Bay Roberts. That, in turn, attracted the interest of National Hockey League evaluators, including New Jersey Devils general manager Tom Fitzgerald.
“He played a different role for Canada than what he had been used to playing,” said Fitzgerald, whose Devils selected Mercer 18th overall in the first round of last week's NHL Entry Draft.
"And he did that because that’s what they had asked him to do.”
There was no complaining, no sulking. Dawson Mercer did what he was asked to do. No problem.
It’s called character, a word used to describe Mercer often last week during the draft proceedings.
He’s reportedly very upbeat in the dressing room, a so-called glue guy He blocks shots, Is sound defensively — a responsible 200-foot player to use the secret handshake hockey speak. He can be used in any situation: when a goal is needed, or when the team is protecting a lead.
He’s tenacious, “like a dog on a bone,” Fitzgerald said.
‘He’s a coach’s dream.”That's not the only reason the Devils made him a first-round pick.
For while scouts and others lauded Mercer for his “character”, Fitzgerald reminded reporters that while Mercer is an “energy” player and a “heart and soul guy,” that they shouldn't forget he has a lot of skill.
“He can play,” Fitzgerald said.
Mercer scored 30 goals as a 16-year-old in Drummondville. He opened the 2019-20 QMJHL season with the Voltigeurs, piling up 42 points in 26 games.
“He’s underrated with his skill and we saw that. When he plays with his junior team, he’s a go-to offensive guy. He has the ability to score goals. He’s a player you win with. There’s a lot to like about this young man.” — Tom Fitzgerald
After the world juniors, he was traded to the Chicoutimi Sagueneens, where he accumulated another 18 points in 16 outings as the Sags loaded up for a run at the President’s Cup league championship.
That was until the remainder of the QMJHL regular season and playoffs were cancelled.
“He’s underrated with his skill,” Fitzgerald said, “and we saw that. When he plays with his junior team, he’s a go-to offensive guy. He has the ability to score goals. He’s a player you win with.
“There’s a lot to like about this young man.”
Mercer, who turns 19 in just a little over two weeks, was one of three first round picks by New Jersey last Tuesday. Swede Alexander Holtz went seventh overall, and Russian Shakir Mukhamadullin went 20th.
“I had my yellow highlighter,” said Fitzgerald, “and whenever anybody was picked from our list, I just erased him.
“When Dawson Mercer was the next guy up, we were more than comfortable putting his name into the system.”
Mercer joins an organization brimming with young talent. including Jack Hughes,qho was the No. 1 overall pick by Jersey in the 2019 Draft and Nico Hischier, who went first overall in 2017.
“Whether he turns out to be a second-line centre,” Fitzgerald said of Mercer, “I don’t know. But we’re very comfortable if he slots behind Jack and Nico down the road.
“I think we’re going to be a fun team to watch.”
Robin Short is The Telegram’s Sports Editor.
