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 he’s still a little raw defensively, Merrill has gradually learned how to use his sizable frame to his advantage in his time at the University of Michigan. That being said, he mostly relies on his sound positioning and keen stick-work while defending.


Future

Merrill’s maturity has come into to question at times in his young career, but he 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. Merrill will return to the Wolverines this fall for his junior season.