Jon Merrill: 3 Fun Facts

During the Expansion Draft in June, the Golden Knights selected defenseman Jon Merrill from the New Jersey Devils.
Besides being a veteran of four NHL seasons (all with New Jersey), Merrill is one of only five players in NHL history born in the state of Oklahoma.
Here are three fun facts to get to know Merrill, who will wear No. 15, better.
1. Was born in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma on February 3, 1992
Despite the fact that he moved out of Oklahoma at a young age and grew up in Brighton, Michigan, he is one of only five players in NHL history ever born in the Sooner State.
The other four are Matt Donovan (2011-15), Tyler Arnason (2001-09), Dan Woodley (1988) and Burr Williams (1934-37).

2. Developed as a hockey player in Michigan
Besides being raised in Brighton, he played for the U.S. National Team Development Program in Ann Arbor and for the University of Michigan.
As a Wolverine, he was often partnered on defense with Jacob Trouba, now of the Winnipeg Jets.
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3. Has the makings of an all-around defenseman
As a former second-round draft pick of the New Jersey Devils, Merrill was often that team's top defensive prospect en route to his NHL debut in 2013-14. At 6-foot-3, 210 pounds, he has the size that coaches crave, and at lower levels, displayed a sound acumen with the puck. At the NHL level, he's been more of a defensive defenseman, although perhaps possesses a little more puck-moving upside than stereotypical defensive defensemen.