» McNeill named CHL Player of the Week   » Visentin named CHL Goaltender of the Week   » Vees still #1 in CJHL   » Criscuolo, MacDonald, Zajac, Lyon named USHL Players of the Week   » Cizikas named AHL Player of the Week   

Player's Profile

Picture Courtesy of Holly Gunning

  • Name: Jon Merrill
  • Position: D
  • Shoots: Left
  • Height: 6-3
  • Weight: 209 lbs
  • Birthdate: 1992-02-03
  • Eligible for Draft: 2010
  • Drafted: 2010
  • Hometown: Bighton, Michigan
  • Acquired: 2nd Round (38th Overall), 2010
  • Playing In: NCAA

Jon Merrill

Prospect Grade: 8.0 C  (About Prospect Grades)

Profile Contributed By: HF Staff

History

2008-09: Played for the US NTDP Under-17 squad.  In 26 games vs. NAHL competition, Merrill scored 2 goals and added 2 assists for 4 points.  In 19 games vs. other competition, Merrill netted 1 goal and added 4 assists for 5 points.  Merrill  was a part of Team USA's gold medal-winning Under-18 World Junior Championships squad.

2009-10: Played for the US NTDP Under-18 team.  In 22 games vs. USHL competition, Merrill scored 1 goal and added 8 assists for 9 points.  Merrill won another gold medal with Team USA at this year's Under-18 World Junior Championships.

2010-11: Merrill played top pair minutes and appeared in 42 of 44 games as a freshman at the University of Michigan. Merrill scored 7 goals with 18 assists and was +11 with 16 PMs for the Wolverines, who won the CCHA regular season title and advanced to the Frozen Four Championship game by shutting out high-powered North Dakota, 2-0, in the semifinals. Michigan lost to Minnesota-Duluth, 3-2, in overtime in the championship game.

Talent Analysis

Merrill is a solidly built two-way defender with outstanding poise and hockey smarts. He skates well in all directions, shows no fear in rushing the puck up the ice and can quarterback a power play with his great distribution skills and shot. While still a little raw defensively, Merrill is sure to evolve further and learn how to use his sizable frame to his advantage with more experience.

Future

Merrill has the multi-purpose skill set to eventually evolve into a top-pairing defenseman that can play in all situations. He has 40-50 point upside. Ryan Suter is a good comparable at the NHL level.

Stats

.

 

Profile Last Updated: October, 28th 2011

HF Quick Navigation