Jason Lewis: Doing the Little Things Right: A Sampling of Michael Mersch's Preseason

You read my mind. Contracts and waivers aside, Mersch would by my first vote to stick with the big team. The kid has real talent at not just getting the puck on net, but carrying it to the crease. Quality prospect, but waiver status will drive the opening night decisions I'm sure.

You read my mind. Contracts and waivers aside, Mersch would by my first vote to stick with the big team. The kid has real talent at not just getting the puck on net, but carrying it to the crease. Quality prospect, but waiver status will drive the opening night decisions I'm sure.
- cryptical77

That is the most realistic possibility. Maybe not the right one in terms of picking the best players available, but logistically probably.

Mersch was awesome when he played for the Badgers, and is a really good guy as well. I got to meet and talk with him a couple of times after some home games, and he really is a driven player. He was always in the right spot when the Badgers were in the offensive zone, and he just knew how to box out people to create opportunities in front of the net.

The fact that he was a 4th round selection astounds me. He'll definitely be a huge addition, when he makes the team, to the 3rd or 4th line, and I wouldn't be surprised if he gets a look on the 2nd line. If he keeps the progress and skill he showed in WI, he's going to be very good.

I always hate it when the Kings trade away their first round picks, but when we get guys like Merch in the fourth round I'm thinking well done?

I really like that little half spin move he does low in the crease. He did 3 times I think on Saturday. That is the kind of fast thinking that produces goals. I am not expecting any of the waiver exempt guys to stay up, but I seriously don't want to loose any of the guys who are still up.

Can't wait to see this kid play in Ontario/LA when the games matter.

King is injured, so the kid might get a chance.

just saw that mersch was sent down to ontario

was he another one who dropped in the draft due to subpar skating ability?

was he another one who dropped in the draft due to subpar skating ability?
- hiway39

Yes. Skating and footwork were cited as a deficiency, uncertainty of defensive ability also, NCAA commit so a longer route to boot.

I'm a Badger fan and when Mersch was drafted, I said to myself "well, that makes sense...he's a perfect King".

Is this Berube kid any good?

Is this Berube kid any good?
- Vukota

we need a scouting report pls and ty

we need a scouting report pls and ty
- Isles_since_6

http://www.hockeysfuture....cts/jean-francois_berube/

one could argue if he was THAT good, there'd be no need to bring in Budaj for the PTO or sign Enroth.

Oneil traded

Oneil traded
- MikeOxbyg

With both Mersch and Weal outperforming him in training camp, he didn't earn himself a spot. Better than putting him on waivers and getting nothing for him.

Is this Berube kid any good?
- Vukota

Berube is a solid goaltender. He's not as skilled as Bernier and/or Jones, and probably isn't a goalie that you'd want to be your #1 option, but he's a quality backup. He's also used to the backup role after playing behind Jones in Manchester for a couple seasons.

we need a scouting report pls and ty
- Isles_since_6

Butterfly goalie. Decent technically. Decent on his reads. Fair athleticism, if not unspectacular.

Again, he is not outstanding at any one thing. He is just alright. Good mental approach, but pretty much average across the board.