Merrill missed the Wilds' previous game due to an illness and will now be out for at least Minnesota's next two games as he did not accompany the team on their road trip. The 31-year-old has two goals, eight assists, 36 SOG, 22 PIMs and a -9 plus/minus through 53 games prior to the injury.
Merrill has missed the last 10 games with an upper-body injury but will replace Jordie Benn in the lineup vs. the Canucks. Merrill has tallied four goals with 14 assists (18 points) in 63 games this season.
Merrill suffered an upper-body injury vs. the Penguins on Thursday and did not travel to Carolina for Saturday's game. Alex Goligoski will replace him in the lineup.
Merrill will be replaced by Dmitry Kulikov on the Wild blueline on Saturday, as the Wild will likely continue to shuffle defensemen around after adding Jacob Middleton at the trade deadline.
Merrill will likely replace Mathew Dumba, who is day-to-day with an upper-body injury. Merrill has had a very productive season, scoring three goals with 10 assists and a plus-14 rating in 38 games.
Merrill was added to the COVID-19 protocol on Wednesday and remains sidelined for Friday's game in New York. Luckily for the Wild, it looks like Jonas Brodin will be back in the lineup to replace him.
Merrill will debut on the third pairing with Alexander Romanov and should help stabilize Montreal's blueline. Merrill picked up five assists in 36 games with the Red Wings and has just 12 goals in 392 career NHL games, so he shouldn't be much of a fantasy factor in Montreal.
Merrill has quietly been one of the most effective bottom-4 defensemen in the NHL in recent years and is a very nice pickup for the Canadiens. Merrill plays a very reliable defensive game that will make the Habs' third pairing a little more reliable. Victor Mete was placed on waivers on Saturday, clearing the way for Merrill.
Merrill went to the University of Michigan and will enjoy a homecoming of sorts after signing with the Red Wings. Merrill does not provide a lot in terms of offence, with a career-high of just 15 points, but he is a rock-steady defensive-defensemen. With a number of prospects on the cusp of being NHL-ready, signing Merrill to a one-year deal allows them some extra time to develop.
Merrill played Saturday vs. the Blue Jackets, skating 17:44 TOI but will be replaced by Nicolas Hague tonight in Buffalo.
Merrill has been a healthy scratch for the last three games but will replace Nicolas Hague in the lineup on Saturday. Merrill has just one goal and three assists in 37 games this season.
