Confirmed with Link: Jon Merrill Agrees to $1.375 million, 2 year extension

[mundyc3]

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[BattleBorn]

Pretty good move. They could probably get a guy like him on the market if they wanted, but he's already here and in the system. Plus, I've heard he's a pretty good guy.

 

[ChanceVegas]

Now the only UFA's are Neal, Perron, Sbisa, Stoner and Garrison. I would think we should see Neal and Perron next.

I assume they will want to keep Sbisa, though he has spent a lot of time on IR. How many Dmen do teams usually keep? 10 (counting Garrison) seems like a lot.

 

[LadyStanley]

Organizations need about a dozen D. 7 for the NHL (and 5+ for the A).

Realistically, teams will use 7-10 D in the NHL. So three or so are needed for injury call ups; and hopefully most of those guys are waiver exempt.

(Now, you probably do want 1-2 guys who have the needed experience to share with the defensive A kids, and they'll probably have to clear waivers, if they won't just sign an AHL deal.)

 

[derriko]

Surprised by this. Thought Merrill would try and find a team with a chance to be a bottom pair guy instead of a 7. Seems like he’s healthy scratched and / or injured almost every game this year.

 

[VanIslander]

I don't like this signing unless he's sent down or if it's helpful in GM negotiations for re-signing guys.

It is no a no-risk signing if the plan is to put him on waivers for the purposes of sending him down.

As well, given how cheap it is: It supports the low-ball negotiating of the GM as well as "we wanna keep our boys" rationale for getting others to re-sign at lower than marlet value (as per the other signings during this season).

 

[Chiripa20]

He’s still young and has looked good to me in the several games I’ve seen him play. Solid, dependable, two way defenseman. Strong skating and consistent in his play. I see a good amount of upside with almost zero downside.