Pucks and Pitchforks
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New Jersey Devils: 5 Prospects Who Benefit From Selling At NHL Trade Deadline

By Mike Luci

OTTAWA, ON - JANUARY 26: Ottawa 67's Defenceman Kevin Bahl (88) battles Saginaw Spirit Center Ryan Suzuki (6)to be first to the puck during Ontario Hockey League action between the Saginaw Spirit and Ottawa 67's on January 26, 2020, at TD Place Arena in Ottawa, ON, Canada. (Photo by Richard A. Whittaker/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
OTTAWA, ON - JANUARY 26: Ottawa 67's Defenceman Kevin Bahl (88) battles Saginaw Spirit Center Ryan Suzuki (6)to be first to the puck during Ontario Hockey League action between the Saginaw Spirit and Ottawa 67's on January 26, 2020, at TD Place Arena in Ottawa, ON, Canada. (Photo by Richard A. Whittaker/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Frank Jansky/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
(Photo by Frank Jansky/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Nick Merkley, RW (AHL)

Being one of the three prospects acquired when the Devils traded Taylor Hall, expectations are quite high for Nick Merkley. The 22-year-old right wing has played well with the Binghamton Devils so far, registering seven goals and 18 points in 20 games. At the rate he’s going, Merkley is currently on pace to establish a new AHL career-high in points. Being a natural right wing, Merkley could bolster the Devil’s roster depth at that position. His opportunity with the New Jersey Devils is something that was also previously discussed, and he’s making the most of it in Binghamton.

Especially if New Jersey opens roster spaces by trading forwards like Miles Wood and/or Pavel Zacha, in addition to Wayne Simmonds, Merkley could make his Devils debut with a broader role that doesn’t relegate him to the fourth line or press box. Merkley had a genuine opportunity to make Arizona’s roster this season, but was snuffed out by the rise of Conor Garland and team’s abundance of smaller forwards occupying big offensive roles. With Devils management likely—to some degree—pressing the reset button, Merkley’s career can take the next step, despite coming at the expense of this abysmal season. It’s a silver lining for a myriad of issues this season has seen.

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