Dawson Mercer remains a restricted free agent and is still unsigned. He is the New Jersey Devils’ only remaining RFA without a contract. The 22-year-old has spent three seasons with the Devils and has appeared in 246 consecutive games. However, as we quickly approach September, it may become concerning he still doesn't have a deal in sight.
Despite only making his debut to start the 2021-22 season, he has already amassed 131 points off of 64 goals and 67 assists. His most impressive feat is playing in all 82 games in all three seasons.
On June 30th, Adam Beckman, Nico Daws, Nolan Foote, Santeri Hatakka, and Mercer were tendered a qualifying offer. All have since signed either a one or two-year contract, aside from the Newfoundland native.
Pat Brisson — of CAA Sports LLC — spoke with The Hockey News for an update on Mercer’s negotiations status with the Devils last week.
“We have had many conversations, and we will continue to speak here this week,” Brisson said. “That’s pretty much all I can say publicly.”
But, fans are getting restless as they wait for the organization to reach an agreement with him. The anxiety only grows with training camp beginning in a month.
Let’s take a look at how some of the reactions are playing out across X.
We are gonna get a new Linkin Park song before we get a Dawson Mercer contract
— The Bratt Pack (@TheBrattPack63) August 26, 2024
not letting grandma out of the cage until dawson mercer re-signs pic.twitter.com/QssqcUGyOv
— ab ♡ (@burrowxhughes) August 26, 2024
devils fans still waiting for the mercer contract pic.twitter.com/6DKZUamcuK
— carm :) (@bubblecarm) August 26, 2024
day [idk i lost count] of waiting for dawson mercer to be re-signed pic.twitter.com/jZ3ZddTEXa
— chase🧃@ ANYC (@coolguy8616) August 26, 2024
Jarvis isn’t signed, but neither is Lucas Raymond, Moritz Seider, Jeremy Swayman, Thomas Harley, Cole Perfetti, and Dawson Mercer among others. There’s a big game of chicken going on right now, and once one of them signs, the rest will fall into place. https://t.co/sI9HEtFovD
— Tom Edwards (@MrWorkrate) August 26, 2024
today seems like a good day for the @NJDevils to re-sign Dawson Mercer
— alara (@alarabofficial) August 25, 2024
Back in February of 2023, Mercer said he has loved playing for the Devils, especially in front of a New Jersey crowd.
"It is great to feel wanted and loved by the Jersey community and the fans and everything, obviously," Mercer said back in Feb. 2023. "That was a good feeling knowing that they love me and they support me, and they want me here."
Let’s hope this passion for playing at The Rock leads into an announcement sooner rather than later.