There’s never a quiet offseason in New Jersey Devils territory, and this summer is proving no different. While trade chatter heats up and roster speculation circles like a puck in overtime, two names have become focal points of debate—Dawson Mercer and Paul Cotter. One is being questioned despite consistent, undervalued production. The other is a recent acquisition whose full potential has only begun to surface.
And if the Devils want to build a true contender, they need to be careful about what pieces they risk moving. Let’s break it down.
Don’t Mess with Mercer: The Devils’ Unsung Value Engine
Dawson Mercer isn’t a superstar name just yet—but for those truly watching Devils hockey, he’s the kind of glue guy every contending team needs. At just 23 years old, Mercer already boasts two 20-goal seasons, has logged 83 goals and 167 points, and consistently shows up in high-leverage minutes on both special teams. But somehow, his name keeps floating in trade speculation.
Why? Some point to his “underwhelming” 19-goal campaign in 2024–25. But context matters.
Mercer’s 19 goals and 17 assists last season still placed him sixth in team scoring. He did it while playing a strong two-way game, logging penalty kill and power play minutes, and shifting between center and wing depending on where the team needed him. Compared to aging forwards like Ondrej Palat and Erik Haula, Mercer offers tremendous value per dollar on his $4 million contract.
Here’s the math that should shut the door on trading him:
- Mercer: $129,032 per primary point
- Palat: $315,789 per primary point
- Haula: $185,294 per primary point
For a team focused on improving scoring and managing the salary cap, moving a young, affordable forward with proven chemistry in the top six would be a self-inflicted setback.
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Paul Cotter: A Hidden Gem Worth Investing In
The other piece of the puzzle is Paul Cotter, whom the Devils acquired in a June 2024 trade that sent Akira Schmid and Alexander Holtz to Vegas. It was a trade that drew mixed reviews at the time—but Cotter’s immediate impact is already shifting opinions.
His shootout performance has turned heads, but that’s just scratching the surface. Cotter is a physical, fast-skating forward who’s shown flashes of creativity and composure under pressure. He might not have the raw numbers yet, but you can see the upside every time he hits the ice. The Devils didn’t acquire him to fill a gap—they brought him in as a long-term piece with growth potential.
That said, Cotter was thrust into elevated roles last season, occasionally playing alongside Mercer. While the pair struggled a bit in terms of goals against (9-14 in 267 minutes), that imbalance likely says more about miscast deployment than Mercer’s individual play. In fact, when Mercer was paired with Nico Hischier and Timo Meier, the Devils outscored opponents 8-4 in just over 250 minutes. When Mercer centered Haula and Meier? The team went 4-0 in under 100 minutes.
This is a player with real flexibility, strong hockey IQ, and underrated play-driving ability. In short: Mercer makes those around him better, and Cotter might eventually benefit from a steadier, better-suited line assignment.
Trading Mercer Would Be a Mistake
If Devils GM Tom Fitzgerald wants to shake up the roster, there are more logical paths than shopping Mercer. Palat and Haula, both 34 and carrying larger contracts, are far more sensible trade candidates. Yes, age isn’t everything, but Mercer is still developing—and still improving. Palat and Haula, though productive in stretches, are unlikely to significantly raise their ceilings at this stage in their careers.
Cap space matters. But production per dollar matters more. And no one on the Devils’ middle six offers more value right now than Dawson Mercer.
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The Bigger Picture: Patience and Vision
Tom Fitzgerald has built this roster with a patient, measured approach. The Devils have a young core, highlighted by Jack Hughes, Nico Hischier, Luke Hughes, and Mercer—all players under 25 with upside yet to be fully tapped.
Dismantling part of that foundation to chase short-term results could be costly in ways that won’t show up on the stat sheet—chemistry, locker room trust, and long-term team identity.
Mercer has already proven he can complement top-line talent, eat tough minutes, and deliver in special teams situations. At 23, he’s far from a finished product—but that’s the point. He’s producing like a seasoned vet while still developing.
Paul Cotter, too, fits into this blueprint. A smart acquisition with the potential to blossom in New Jersey’s fast-paced, youthful system.
In the end, the Devils should resist the urge to trade from strength. Developing chemistry and nurturing talent like Mercer and Cotter is how championships are built—not by giving up on young contributors before they’ve even hit their prime.
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