Dawson Mercer Bio
Dawson Mercer (born October 27, 2001) is a Canadian professional ice hockey player who plays as a forward for the New Jersey Devils of the National Hockey League (NHL). Drafted 18th overall by the Devils in the 2020 NHL entry draft, Mercer made his NHL debut on October 15, 2021, and quickly established himself as a reliable contributor. In his early NHL seasons, he reached notable milestones, including playoff goals and international medals with Team Canada.
Early Life and Background
Dawson Mercer was born on October 27, 2001, in Carbonear, Newfoundland, Canada, to parents Charlotte and Craig. His father works as a powerline technician and his mother manages a convenience store. The family has a strong connection to the sport, as Craig also coached in the Conception Bay North area and once attended a tryout with the American Hockey League’s St. John’s Maple Leafs. Mercer’s younger brother, Riley Mercer, is a goaltender, while his younger sister, Jessica Mercer, is a defenceman, and his cousin Zachery Bennett also plays ice hockey.
Growing up in Newfoundland, Mercer played for the Tri Pen Ice U15 AAA team in the Newfoundland Bantam AAA league. After recording 68 points in 24 games, he chose to leave his home province at 15 to play prep hockey with the Bishop’s College School under-18 varsity team. The move allowed him to increase his playing ability and join his cousin. In his first season at Bishop, he finished third in scoring with 18 goals and 30 assists through 51 games, earning a high ranking from the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League’s Central Scouting.
Path to Hockey
Mercer was drafted eighth overall by the Drummondville Voltigeurs in the 2017 QMJHL Draft. As a QMJHL rookie, he recorded 26 points through 68 games and was selected for Team Canada’s Black U17 team at the World Under-17 Hockey Challenge. In the 2019–20 season, he finished with 60 points in 42 games and was nominated for the Michael Bossy Trophy, which recognizes the QMJHL’s top professional prospect.
Mercer’s development in the QMJHL, combined with strong performances in international junior events, helped position him as a first-round talent. His skating, two-way play, and offensive instincts drew the attention of NHL scouts, and he was selected 18th overall by the New Jersey Devils in the 2020 NHL entry draft. On December 24, 2020, he signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the Devils, setting the stage for his transition to professional hockey.
Dawson Mercer Career
Early Career (2021–2022)
Mercer made his NHL debut on October 15, 2021, against the Chicago Blackhawks, recording his first career NHL assist on a goal by Andreas Johnsson. Four days later, on October 19, he scored his first NHL goal against the Seattle Kraken. He finished his rookie season with 42 points and led the Devils in games played with 82, establishing himself as a full-time NHL forward in his first year.
That same season, Mercer made his international debut with the Canadian national junior team at the 2020 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships in Ostrava, winning a gold medal. He rejoined Team Canada for the 2021 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships, held in a bubble in Edmonton, where they reached the final for a second consecutive year but were defeated by the United States. Mercer later described the fan-less tournament as a unique experience that would be remembered in history.
NHL Breakthrough (2022–2024)
Following the 2021–22 NHL regular season, with the Devils failing to qualify for the 2022 Stanley Cup playoffs, Mercer accepted an invitation to make his senior national team debut at the 2022 IIHF World Championship. He was one of the most effective faceoff men in the tournament and helped Canada reach the final, where they were defeated by Finland, earning a silver medal.
On April 27, 2023, Mercer scored his first NHL playoff goal against the New York Rangers in a 4–0 shutout in Game 5 of the 2023 playoffs. The following season, 2023–24, he recorded 20 goals and 33 points while playing in all 82 games for the Devils, demonstrating his durability and consistency.
New Jersey Devils Era (2021–Present)
After the final year of his entry-level contract in 2023–24, Mercer remained a restricted free agent into the start of training camp. On September 20, 2024, after missing the first practice of camp, he signed a three-year contract with an average annual value of $4 million, securing his place with the Devils through the 2026–27 season.
Two years after his senior debut, Mercer rejoined Team Canada for the 2024 IIHF World Championship, further cementing his role within the national program. His combination of two-way play, faceoff reliability, and offensive contributions has made him a steady presence in the Devils’ forward group.
Driving Style and Strengths
Mercer is recognized for his strong two-way game, dependable faceoff performance, and consistent offensive production. His ability to play in all situations has made him a valuable asset for the Devils and for Team Canada in international competition.
Notable Events and Milestones
Highlights of Mercer’s career include his first NHL goal against the Seattle Kraken in 2021, his first playoff goal against the New York Rangers in 2023, and his gold medal with Canada at the 2020 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships. He also earned a silver medal at the 2022 IIHF World Championship, where he was among the tournament’s top faceoff performers.
Dawson Mercer Career Wins
Across his early NHL career, Mercer has accumulated offensive contributions highlighted by his 42-point rookie season and 33-point 2023–24 campaign. His scoring touch has been complemented by disciplined two-way play and dependable special teams contributions.
NHL Highlights
Mercer’s first NHL goal came on October 19, 2021, against the Seattle Kraken, and he recorded his first playoff goal on April 27, 2023, against the New York Rangers. He has since played every regular-season game in 2023–24, finishing with 20 goals and 33 points.
Other Wins & Performances
In the QMJHL, Mercer recorded 60 points in 42 games during the 2019–20 season, earning a Michael Bossy Trophy nomination. Internationally, he won gold with Canada at the 2020 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships and silver at the 2022 IIHF World Championship.
Dawson Mercer Family
Family Background and Hockey Lineage
Dawson Mercer comes from a family with deep roots in ice hockey. His father, Craig, coached in the Conception Bay North area and had a tryout with the St. John’s Maple Leafs of the American Hockey League. His younger brother Riley is a goaltender, his sister Jessica is a defenceman, and his cousin Zachery Bennett also plays the sport.
Personal Life
Mercer was raised in Carbonear, Newfoundland, by his parents Charlotte and Craig. He left home at 15 to pursue advanced hockey opportunities at Bishop’s College School, eventually developing into a first-round NHL draft pick and a member of the New Jersey Devils.
2025 Season Performance
Heading into the 2025 calendar year, Mercer continues to play a regular role with the New Jersey Devils under his contract signed in September 2024. His blend of scoring, faceoff reliability, and defensive responsibility positions him as a key piece of the team’s forward group.
Following his international appearance at the 2024 IIHF World Championship, Mercer is expected to remain a candidate for future national team opportunities, provided his NHL schedule permits. His continued development as a two-way forward will be central to his outlook for 2025 and beyond.
With the Devils aiming to return to playoff contention, Mercer’s consistency and leadership in the locker room are expected to be important factors. As he enters the second year of his three-year contract, the focus will be on building on his 20-goal, 33-point performance from 2023–24.