Jon Merrill signs with Detroit/NHL Free agency

Submitted by Sambojangles on October 9th, 2020 at 4:42 PM

The Red Wings announced on Twitter that Merrill signed, and posted an intro press conference with Merrill. He mentioned being a Michigan kid who grew up dreaming of playing for the Wings. He wore a Michigan hat during his interview, and mentioned that he's reuniting with Luke Glendening.

Merrill had a strange college career, he looked like a potential star his freshman year before suspensions and injuries kinda derailed the remainder of his career. I haven't followed him much in the NHL, but looking at his stats he appears to be a part-timer, never playing more than 66 games with New Jersey for his first four years and Vegas the last three seasons. 

The Wings also signed Bobby Ryan from Ottawa. Both are one-year deals 

hailtothevictors08

October 9th, 2020 at 5:44 PM ^

I knew Jon pretty well at Michigan. We were friends, although not super close friends. Without getting into anything too deep, Jon was (and I assume still is) a legitimately nice dude as were the other guys on the team that I met through him. 

I am thrilled he is still in the league. 

Hotel Putingrad

October 9th, 2020 at 8:56 PM ^

He's a depth defenseman, a huge, huge improvement over Bowey/Daley/Ericsson.

Love the Bobby Ryan signing too. If he keeps his demons at bay, he can be flipped at the deadline for a draft pick very easily.

I would've liked Wennberg, but we weren't going anywhere near as high as FL ($2.5M).

IF we can snag Greiss to share the net with Bernier, it'll be a very successful off season.