Dom Lunardo | June 6th, 2020
Dawson Mercer
Position: Right-Wing
Team: Chicoutimi Sagueneens, Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL)
2020 Draft Prospect Ranking (Central Scouting): 10th Amongst North American Skaters
The upcoming 2020 NHL Entry Draft has its fair share of high-profile superstars-in-the-making. Names like Lafreniere, Rossi, Byfield, Drysdale, Stutzle, Sanderson, and Perfetti are ready for the “draft-day” spotlight. The more you look at this draft, the more you realize it has all the makings of an instant classic. Enter Dawson Mercer. The name Dawson Mercer certainly doesn’t jump from the page but he’s another elite-level talent looking to make the jump to the pros. Let’s dive in and take a closer look at Dawson mercer, a player who’s certainly “flying under the radar” as we inch closer and close to the 2020 NHL Draft.
Make sure to check out all of our NHL Draft Profiles here.
From Drummondville to Chicoutimi
The Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) is renowned for producing top-tier talent. From Lafleur, Crosby, Hawerchuk, Chabot, and MacKinnon, the list goes on and on. This summer, however, may see two players from “The Q” selected in the top-10 of the Draft. Few would argue that Alexis Lafreniere of the Rimouski Oceanic is the consensus selection to go number one. Mercer, however, should be close behind.
This season has seen Mercer suit up for both the Drummondville Voltigeurs and the Chicoutimi Sagueneens. After amassing 42 points in 26 games including 18 goals, Mercer was dealt mid-season to Chicoutimi. He continued his torrid scoring pace tallying 18 points in 12 games. Mercer’s season, like all across the hockey landscape, was cut short due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Last season also saw Mercer bag 30 goals and 68 points in 64 games. Good enough for more than a point-per-game. Mercer’s time in the Quebec league will be remembered for his consistency, skill, and ability to put up points. It also gave him a chance to suit up for Team Canada on the world stage.
Gold Rush: 2020 World Juniors
Any young hockey player dreams of playing in the National Hockey League. They also dream of playing at the IIHF World Junior Hockey Championships. If all goes well (and it sure looks like it will), Mercer will accomplish both. Dawson Mercer was the first player born in Newfoundland to make Team Canada’s World Junior roster in 10 years. Quite the accomplishment to say the least for the Carbonear native. The proverbial icing on the cake came two weeks later when Mercer and the Canadians “struck Gold”. In a close-checking, passionate Gold Medal Game, the Canadians defeated the mighty Russians by a score of 4-3. The look of sheer jubilation on Mercer and his teammates’ faces was absolutely priceless.
Mercer appeared in all 7 games for Team Canada at the tournament. He also played a prominent tole on Canada’s bottom-six forward group. Night after night, Mercer’s skill set, skating ability, and hockey-IQ were on full display. It no doubt caught the eye of many NHL scouts as well who will be hoping to secure his services at the upcoming NHL Draft.
Talent, Work Ethic, Dedication
Dawson Mercer is not only a promising young prospect, but he also has a real love for the game of hockey. At the tender age of 18, Mercer knows what it takes to win, and loves the “camaraderie” of a hockey dressing room. “One of the boys” is one of the best ways to describe Mercer off the ice. As a player on the ice, Mercer has an excellent skillset with a real drive to succeed. He loves to get in on the forecheck and makes things happen. A high-energy player, Mercer can beat defenders with his work ethic, ability in tight spaces, and intelligence. He also has good hands and an excellent release. Standing at 6,0, 190 pounds, Mercer uses his body to good effect and isn’t afraid to throw his frame around. This is something that scouts marveled at over the course of his draft year.
Mercer is also very dedicated to his craft. As the number-two ranked player from “The Q”, Mercer certainly isn’t going to be fazed by the moment. He’s an exceptional stick-handler, has excellent distribution skills, and sees the ice really well. Prospective NHL clubs will be chomping at the bit to secure his services in no time. Mercer is also an excellent teammate, who really celebrates the success of everyone on the roster. This all comes from his drive to win, the ability to improve, and the passion to get better and better each day. The NHL better be ready and set for Dawson Mercer. One final question…where will Mercer ply his trade at the start of the 2020/21 season? The 2020 NHL Draft will truly reveal all.
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