The New Jersey Devils have locked up one of their rising stars, Dawson Mercer, with a new three-year, $12 million contract. As the Devils solidify their roster, it’s time to examine how this move impacts their division rival, the New York Rangers.
Mercer’s Contract Breakdown
Dawson Mercer’s deal will pay him $3 million in the 2024-25 season, $4.75 million in 2025-26, and $4.25 million in the final year, 2026-27. Mercer, who tallied 20 goals and 13 assists last season, has quickly become an essential piece of the Devils’ offense, playing in all 82 games and logging significant ice time (17:13 on average).
Mercer’s contract maintains New Jersey’s cap flexibility, allowing them to sign one of their players on a professional tryout. Importantly, Mercer will still be a restricted free agent (RFA) with arbitration rights at the end of this deal, so the Devils retain control over his future.
Comparing Mercer to Rangers Prospects:
Let’s assess how this new contract compares to two key Rangers prospects — Brennan Othmann and Matt Rempe — and what it means for the Rangers’ future.
Brennan Othmann vs. Dawson Mercer
Brennan Othmann, the Rangers’ 21-year-old prospect, had a solid 2023-24 season with the AHL’s Hartford Wolf Pack, scoring 21 goals and adding 28 assists in 67 games. While still developing, Othmann has shown flashes of the talent that made him a first-round pick in 2021. He also contributed during Hartford’s playoff run, recording five points in 10 games.
Mercer, who was the 18th overall pick in 2020, has already established himself at the NHL level. His consistent scoring, durability (246 consecutive games played), and power-play presence make him a more proven commodity than Othmann, who still finds his footing in the professional ranks.
Othman has the potential to become an impact player for the Rangers. Still, for now, Mercer’s established role in New Jersey gives the Devils an advantage regarding immediate contribution.
Matt Rempe vs. Dawson Mercer
At 6’7″, Matt Rempe brings size and physicality to the Rangers’ system, a stark contrast to the 6’0″ Mercer. While Rempe’s offensive numbers are modest — one goal and one assist in 17 games last season — his imposing presence and toughness set him apart. Rempe has developed a reputation as an enforcer and could carve out a role as a net-front force or protector on a top-nine line.
Mercer, on the other hand, offers more finesse and offensive prowess. While Rempe’s size is a unique asset, Mercer’s versatility and scoring touch are invaluable in today’s NHL, where skill and speed often outweigh physicality. That said, Rempe’s improved skating, as seen in recent training camps, could add a new dimension to his game, posing a challenge for forwards like Mercer in the future.
What It Means for the Rangers
Mercer’s contract solidifies the Devils’ depth, which the Rangers will need to match in developing young players like Othmann and Rempe. Mercer’s offensive consistency and experience give the Devils an edge, but the Rangers’ prospects have the potential to close the gap if they continue to develop their skills.
As the Rangers look to build around their young core, they’ll need Othmann to take a step forward and Rempe to make an impact in a different way. Mercer’s new deal sets the bar for what the Rangers will aim to achieve with their rising talents.
With both teams continuing to shape their future, Mercer’s contract represents stability for the Devils and a challenge for the Rangers as they work to keep pace with their division rivals.
