Merrill has developed into a versatile defenseman who can play on either side, move the puck efficiently out of his own end and protect the net. He's settled into a bottom pair role with the Vegas Golden Knights after being selected by the Vegas Golden Knights from the New Jersey Devils in the 2017 NHL Expansion Draft.
The Devils selected Merrill in the second round (No. 38) of the 2010 NHL Draft. He soon showed he could play in front of big crowds: 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.
Merrill has developed into a versatile defenseman who can play on either side, move the puck efficiently out of his own end and protect the net. He's settled into a bottom pair role with the Vegas Golden Knights after being selected by the Vegas Golden Knights from the New Jersey Devils in the 2017 NHL Expansion Draft.
The Devils selected Merrill in the second round (No. 38) of the 2010 NHL Draft. He soon showed he could play in front of big crowds: 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.
Merrill made his NHL debut on Nov. 3, 2013, and became a regular member of the Devils' rotation on defense.
A fluid skater with good vision, the Oklahoma City native helped the United States win a gold medal at the 2009 and 2010 IIHF 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.
- Signed as a free agent by Detroit, October 9, 2020.
- Traded to Montreal by Detroit for Hayden Verbeek and a 5th-round pick in 2021 NHL Draft, April 11, 2021.
- Signed as a free agent by Minnesota, July 29, 2021.
