Draft Watch: Jon Merrill

The Rangers have the tenth overall pick in the draft, and while some writers think the Rangers will draft a goalie (for some unknown reason), the Rangers most pressing need at the NHL level is a scorer. However, with the Rangers sitting at #10, they might have to employ a “best available” tactic at the draft. If that occurs, the Rangers might wind up taking another defenseman in the first round. In the sixth installment of this series, we look at defenseman Jonathan Merrill of the US-Under 18 National Team.

The 6’3 200 lb American defenseman has put together a modest season with the USA team, netting a goal and eight assists in 22 games this year. Generally not known for his offense, Merrill is one of the most defensively sound prospects in this draft. His play in his own zone makes him one of the top defensive players at his level. He is positionally sound, and plays a very physical game, already utilizing his size to his advantage.

Although Merrill is not known for his offense, he has started to show some offense this year, which has dramatically risen his stock. His nine points in 22 games is not a big increase in production, but his presence and IQ on the ice illustrate that he is ready to break out offensively. His play style is reminiscent of Marc Staal, in that he is defensively superior to his age group, while his offense has potential, and is starting to show.

The only real knock on Merrill is his skating ability. While not slow, Merrill is not as fast and swift on his skates as some of the other top skaters in the draft. This affects his ability to get to loose pucks, and his ability to cut off oncoming forwards. This isn’t all that unexpected from an 18 year old, and it is something that Merrill is already working on. It’s not that Merrill is a poor skating, it is just an area for improvement for possibly the best defensive player in this draft.

Although many would want the Rangers to draft a forward, and potentially trade up to get one earlier in the draft. However, if the Rangers were unable to do so, Merrill is a solid consolation prize. The Rangers would do well with a defensive core of Merrill, Staal, Michael Del Zotto, and Dan Girardi. That foursome would be one of the top foursomes in the game. For a team that needs a big bruising defenseman, Merrill would be just that, and maybe provide some offense too.

Image Credit: Mike Kylmaniemi, HHOF IIHF Images