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Devils Shake Up Top Line, Drop Underperforming Dawson Mercer

Amid struggles over the last five games with the top line, the New Jersey Devils drop Dawson Mercer ahead of facing the Florida Panthers.

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New Jersey Devils center Dawson Mercer during an NHL hockey game against the Colorado Avalanche, Friday, Oct. 28, 2022, in Newark, N.J. The Devils won 1-0. (AP Photo/Julia Nikhinson)

Amid struggles over the last five games with the top line, the New Jersey Devils have dropped Dawson Mercer ahead of facing the Florida Panthers in back to back games this week.



RELATED: The Reality Behind Devils Nico Hischier’s Hot Start

The Devils’ top line has lost its luster. Whereas the trio of Mercer, Nico Hischier, and Timo Meier were dominating before, they’ve struggled a bit lately to produce goals.

In fact, Hischier’s been missing from the goal column for five games in a row, while Mercer and Meier have provided one goal each in two of the last five games.

As a result, head coach Sheldon Keefe promoted Stefan Noesen, who is off to an incredible start to the season. The veteran forward who returned on a three-year, $8.25 million contract, is on pace for roughly 32 goals through 82 games.

Keefe explained he’s been contemplating a Noesen promotion as a result of his impact play, and decided it was a good idea against the defending Stanley Cup Champions.

“Well, just what he does. He’s hard on the puck, in on the forecheck, he’s defensively responsible, and can get to the net,” Keefe explained. “It’s something I’ve been wanting to look at for a little while. And with this particular matchup here with the Panthers, I think having what Noesen brings to Nico’s group can help us.”

If we’re being honest, the Devils probably want to see Mercer do a lot more of what Noesen is doing.

After Mercer signed his new three-year bridge contract, Mercer was expected to take a step forward. General manager Tom Fitzgerald explained that after the Devils traded Tyler Toffoli and lost his 35-goal pace last spring.

“A guy like Dawson Mercer is gonna get an opportunity to continue to grow and explode, hopefully,” Fitzgerald said last summer when asked about replacing Toffoli’s goal scoring production.

Mercer’s accrued four goals and nine points through 19 games. He’s roughly on a 41-point, 18-goal pace which would be an improvement from his dreadful 2023-24 season overall, but a step back in the goal scoring department.

Away from the puck, Mercer has been fine which has resulted in a positive 123-109 scoring chance differential.

He just hasn’t been able to provide on offense what Noesen has, especially in big moments. As a result, Noesen saw a promotion on the special teams. Now, he’ll get one at 5-on-5.

“He’s been excellent. He knows exactly what his job is when he’s out there in terms of retrieving pucks, being a net front presence, being that goal line presence, being an outlet when things get jammed up for Jack,” Keefe explained. “He just works, and he talks a lot. He’s been really good, both on and off the ice for us.”

Devils Morning Workflow

Forwards

Timo Meier – Nico Hischier – Stefan Noesen

Ondrej Palat – Jack Hughes – Jesper Bratt

Paul Cotter – Erik Haula – Dawson Mercer

Tomas Tatar – Justin Dowling – Kurtis MacDermid

MORE: How to Watch Devils Game vs. Florida Panthers (11/12/2024); Projected Lines, Notes, & More

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