Red Wings move Jon Merrill to Montreal for another pick
Merrill #Merrill
Take it from Detroit Red Wings coach Jeff Blashill, the Montreal Canadiens made a nice addition by acquiring defenseman Jon Merrill Sunday for a 2021 fifth-round pick.
“I thought whoever ended up trading for Johnny, if somebody did, they would get a real good addition,” Blashill said. “I think he’s a good player. He’s a jack-of-all trades, can play the left side, right side, kill penalties, up and down your lineup. Most importantly for me is he’s got confidence and moxie of a guy you want in those big, pressure situations in the playoffs. He’s not going to be one bit afraid of the moment. He’s going to seize the moment.
“He was an excellent pro, did an excellent job for us.”
The move gives the Red Wings 11 selections so far in this year’s draft, including three in the second round and two each in the third, fourth and fifth rounds. They have nine picks in the 2022 draft.
Merrill, 29, a 6-3, 195-pound defensive defenseman, appeared in 36 games for Detroit (no goals, five assists) and was one of only three plus players (plus-2). The University of Michigan product signed a one-year, $925,000 contract with the Red Wings in the offseason.
With Patrik Nemeth and Merrill moved over the weekend, prior to Monday’s 3 p.m. trade deadline, it creates opportunities for others on defense.
“Those are guys that have been regulars in our lineup all season long, two big guys that have been good players for us,” Blashill said. “It opens up opportunities potentially for a right shot. Guys are going to get chances to play that haven’t played much. Alex Biega and Dennis Cholowski did last night (in the 5-4 shootout victory at Carolina). Gustav Lindstrom is up with us right now, so there’s potential for him to play. Guys will get opportunities. What they do with that is up to them. Hopefully, they jump through that window of opportunity.”
The Red Wings also received center prospect Hayden Verbeek in the trade. The 23-year-old undrafted center has no NHL experience. He has appeared in seven games this season for AHL Laval (one goal, two assists).
Verbeek (5-10, 182) is the nephew of Red Wings assistant general manager Pat Verbeek.
Injury update
Blashill said Robby Fabbri (upper-body injury) will miss his fifth consecutive game on Monday. Sam Gagner’s status is undecided. Both skated in an optional practice Sunday in Carolina.
DeKeyser, Biega waived again
Danny DeKeyser and Biega were waived Sunday in moves that provide the Red Wings flexibility to add them to the taxi squad (where four-to-six players are required) if needed. Both figure to clear at noon Monday.
Veleno to get a look?
It remains to be seen if center Joe Veleno will get a look with the Red Wings this season after the club’s second pick in 2018 (30th overall) was reassigned to the Grand Rapids Griffins from Malmo of the Swedish Hockey League.
“I haven’t even discussed that with Steve (general manager Yzerman),” Blashill said. “We’ll see where everything is at with Joe. The most important thing is through the course of the season he’s developed, and if there’s opportunity for more development, I think that’s what’s critical for him.”
Veleno, 21, was loaned to Malmo in October, well before the start of the AHL season. He picked up 20 points (11 goals, nine assists) in 46 games, ranking third on the club in goals and tied for fourth in points.
“My understanding is he’s done a good job (in Sweden),” Blashill said. “Talking with Shawn Horcoff (Red Wings director of player development) a number of times throughout the season, Shawn was pleased with his progress. I think it was a productive year for him.”
Veleno tallied 11 goals and 12 assists in 54 games with Grand Rapids in 2019-20, his first pro season. He also helped Canada win a gold medal at the 2020 World Junior Championship after leading the team in average time on ice (19:13) and contributing six points (one goal, five assists) in six games.
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