9th year defenseman Jon Merrill(4) signed just about one month into unrestricted free agency by Minnesota Wild after coming off a late trade that sent him to Montreal Canadiens, which resulted in an unexpected extended Cup run.
The New Jersey Devils‘ 2nd round pick in 2010 (#34 overall) spent 4 years until he was picked up by Vegas Golden Knights in their 1st season 2017 expansion draft.
He signed a 2-year deal to stay and wound up with his best overall stats in his 2nd season in Nevada, scoring highs of 3 goals, tying 12 assists and 15 points with a +16 rating.
The sizable 6’3″ 204 lbs. former 3-year University Of Michigan Wolverines‘ blue liner next signed, as 2020/2021 was starting, a 1-year deal with Detroit Red Wings.
He’s notched 3 goals and 8 assists in 33 NHL games this season with a +8 rating, so the 29-year old is off to a good run with his new club and maybe not easily, but he could reach new heights in all categories and was rewarded for his play with a new 3-year deal worth $1.2M AAV.
The Oklahoma City native must have a huge smile on his face.