SenShot
Fansided

Ranking the Top 31 Prospects in the 2020 NHL Draft: 20. Dawson Mercer

By Daniel Bruce

HAMILTON, ON - JANUARY 16: Dawson Mercer #19 of Team Red skates during the 2020 CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game against Team White at FirstOntario Centre on January 16, 2020 in Hamilton, Canada. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)
HAMILTON, ON - JANUARY 16: Dawson Mercer #19 of Team Red skates during the 2020 CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game against Team White at FirstOntario Centre on January 16, 2020 in Hamilton, Canada. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

The hardworking forward from Newfoundland has the intangibles of a true pro

Dawson Mercer (RW), Chicoutimi (QMJHL)

H: 6’0″ W: 179 lbs

One of the better two-way forwards in the draft, Dawson Mercer offers high-end scoring as well as high-end capabilities in his own end.

One of the better competitors in the whole class, Mercer will never cheat his teammates with effort, he did a great job leading by example with his Drummondville and now Chicoutimi.

2019-2020 Recap

GP: 42 G: 24 A: 36 P: 60 +/-: 5

Fresh off of a breakout year the season prior, Mercer would move even further up draft boards by showing even more improvement this season.

Due to his great start to the season and great performance during camp, Mercer cracked Team Canada’s roster for the 2020 World Juniors a surprising add for everyone involved but a deserved one. Joining Alexis Lafreniere, Quinton Byfield and goaltender Nico Daws as the only draft-eligibles on the team, Mercer was among elite company.

While playing as the 13th forward for most of the tournament he did get some ice-time over a struggling Quinton Byfield at points and wasn’t expected to make a huge impact.

Mercer’s stats would have been even better if not for his trade to Chicoutimi at mid-season, he took some time to get acquainted with his surroundings and only put up 18 points in 16 games. If the season wasn’t cancelled due to the worldwide pandemic, Mercer would of thrived in the playoffs.

Play Style

Mercer is a two-way competitive forward who can play both the power-play and the penalty kill.

A offensive threat, Mercer uses his great skating and heavy shot to produce offence and he also shouldn’t be slept on for his playmaking ability. Craig Button of TSN values Mercer’s versatility because of his ability to play centre or wing.

"“Dawson is a plug-and-play player. He can play centre or wing, and that adaptability allows him to move around the lineup and contribute. Competitive with very good skills.”"

Mercer’s highest-graded attribute by Button is his hockey sense, which was awarded a 4.5/5 by Button, he thinks the game at a high-level.

Like I referenced, Mercer is super competitive and has good skills along with that, he projects to be a very good pro. In my opinion one of the safer picks in the draft, Mercer won’t wow you with any one skill, but does everything well. Projects as an ideal middle-six player who has the upside to be a regular contributor in the top-six.

Out of Reach for Ottawa?

It would be very surprising if the Senators traded up for a player like Mercer as he’s not a player that many teams would take that big of a gamble on. If the Senators were to trade up for a player in the middle of the first-round it would likely be for someone of high upside, while Mercer fits the playing style that Ottawa really likes, it just doesn’t seem too plausible at this point.

Home/Draft