Looking at the higher end of young centers and their recent signing of long-term deals, I do wonder if Mercer's next deal would be influenced by these. He probably has a ceiling at Hughes' deal as its unlikely he eclipses Jack has 1C.
Stutzle: 8 x $8.35m
Hughes: 8 x $8.0m
Norris: 8 x $7.95m
Suzuki: 8x $7.875m
Hischier: 7 x $7.25m
While Mercer is still young - and has a ways to go to climb into this tier - it is not too far-fetched if he continues to develop. (Its another question whether NJD would want to pay X amount for 3C).
After first 82 games played in NHL (where Mercer is after one season),
If Mercer puts up a 55-point season in 2022-23, he would fall right into the mid-point of these players. Now there are a lot of other factors. Age, cap, health. Whether or not Mercer get priced as a center or winger. And points aren't everything as well, as guys like Hischier and Suzuki get paid for 200-ft game.
In the end, I'd bet he probably gets a Robert Thomas-sized bridge deal (2 years x $2.8 million), but if they look to lock him up long-term, I wonder where he would end up.
($7.885 million is the average of the examples I used....probably an unlikely figure).
Jack definitely set the comparable for that Stutzle signing. I don't think Fitz will see Mercer as a guy with the same type of ceiling as those two though, especially because he'll be primarily a winger to him.
Cap is supposed to jump a lot in 24-25 though which is when he's due. So I think a lot of these comparables will get thrown out the window by the time we get there.
NJ will be very good soon
I don’t think Mercer touches that money yet if ever
He’ll get a bridge deal IMO
Quoting: GMs
NJ will be very good soon
I don’t think Mercer touches that money yet if ever
He’ll get a bridge deal IMO
Agree. In intro, I said "he probably gets a Robert Thomas-sized bridge deal (2 years x $2.8 million)"...but if these big deals become norm for young centers, NJD will have some decisions to make. Ottawa too with Pinto.
Quoting: MellowK
Jack definitely set the comparable for that Stutzle signing. I don't think Fitz will see Mercer as a guy with the same type of ceiling as those two though, especially because he'll be primarily a winger to him.
Cap is supposed to jump a lot in 24-25 though which is when he's due. So I think a lot of these comparables will get thrown out the window by the time we get there.
I think its supposed to jump once with escrow is balanced, so after 2024-25 season. And contract would probably be signed a year ahead of time...so as early as next summer. Its really not far off.