New Jersey Devils: 5 Questions Still Yet To Be Answered

Will Dawson Mercer Sign An Early Extension?

The New Jersey Devils have signed a few extensions before they had to. Jack Hughes signed his eight-year deal worth $8 million per season before he even got to the offseason. Now, he has one of the best contracts in hockey. Could the Devils try to do the same thing with Dawson Mercer?

Mercer has one year left on his entry-level contract. Then, he’s due for a tremendous raise. However, right now, Mercer has not earned anywhere near the contract Hughes, Jesper Bratt, Nico Hischier, or Timo Meier have. This isn’t to say he can’t hit that kind of production. He’s still just 21 years old.

If the Devils come to Mercer with a contract that pays him $5 million over the next five years, would he say no? Would the Devils push for a seven or eight-year deal? That’s likely. They usually give out contracts that keep them within RFA eligibility. At that point, there’s no reason to sign that deal now.

We’re sure Fitzgerald had the conversation with Mercer’s agent. We’re sure that conversation will pick up again at training camp and continue throughout the season. Maybe the Devils get the deal done prior to the season, but if they do, it’s likely going to be for seven or eight years. That deal would have the fanbase rejoicing.