Merrill sure knows how to play to a crowd. And, apparently, the bigger the better.

As a freshman at the University of Michigan, Merrill scored two goals and was named the first star of the Big Chill at the Big House, a home game against Michigan State on Dec. 11, 2010, that drew the largest crowd ever to see a hockey game. His two goals in the 5-0 win were part of a breakout season for Merrill, who led Michigan defensemen with 25 points and helped the Wolverines reach the 2011 NCAA title game.

Selected by the New Jersey Devils in the second round (No. 38) of the 2010 NHL Draft, Merrill has developed into a versatile player who can play on either side, pass the puck efficiently out of his own end and protect the net.

After making his NHL debut on Nov. 3, 2013, Merrill became a regular part of the Devils defense corps. He has been a frequent contributor to the power-play and penalty-killing units.

A fluid skater with good vision, the Oklahoma City native helped the United States win a gold medal at the 2009 and 2010 Under-18 World Championship and a bronze medal at the 2011 World Junior Championship.

A product of the USA Hockey's National Team Development Program, Merrill signed a two-year contract to remain with the Devils on July 1, 2016.

NOTES & TRANSACTIONS

• CCHA All-Rookie Team (2011)
• CCHA Second All-Star Team (2011)
• NCAA Championship All-Tournament Team (2011)
• Signed as a free agent by New Jersey, July 1, 2016.
• Claimed by Vegas from New Jersey in Expansion Draft, June 21, 2017.