New Jet looking forward to ‘special’ debut

Dawson Mercer, fresh off his move from the New Jersey Devils, is poised to make his debut with the Winnipeg Jets in the Heritage Classic against the Montreal Canadiens. Mercer, the 18th overall pick in the 2020 NHL Draft, expressed he was excited to join a team that values his speed and versatility. In his first practice with the Jets, Mercer suited up with Adam Lowry and Isak Rosen on the third line.

Jets head coach Scott Arniel highly praised Mercer, noting his ability to play both right wing and center, as well as his prowess in penalty killing and power play. Mercer, who has previously scored 20 goals three times in his career, expressed his desire to start scoring for his new team. The Jets defense line-up also saw a change with the recall of Elias Salomonsson, who will make his season debut alongside Mario Ferraro on the second pairing.

Jack St. Ivany, who had no points in four games with the Jets, was claimed off waivers by the Washington Capitals, leaving Daws as the third NHL goalie for the Jets.