Rookies to Watch | THREE THINGS

Every year as we wait for training camp to begin, we get an early dose of hockey with the Prospects Challenge in Buffalo. In a matter of days, the Devils rookies and invitees will be on the ice, preparing for their first game of the tournament, which is set to take place on Sept. 17, against the Sabres at 7 p.m.
The Devils will participate in a second game on Sunday against the Bruins at 1 p.m.
While the full roster has not yet been released, there are a few key players that will certainly be there.
In this edition of Three Things, those players are highlighted.

1. Dawson Mercer

His name has gotten a lot of play over the last few weeks in the lead-up to training camp. Probably because of the anticipation to see him at a camp has lasted long enough. This 2021 training camp will be Mercer's first. The Devils held a mini-camp in December 2020 to start the shortened season, but by then the 19-year-old was already in the midst of his 2020-21 QMJHL season with the Chicoutimi Saguenéens.
It was an outstanding season for Mercer, who led his team in both the regular and postseason in points while leading the team in goal scoring during the regular season. He's finessed his game under four years of junior hockey and put a clear focus on the responsibilities of a centerman in improving both his faceoff technique and his faceoff winning percentage. He clocked in at 75-percent efficiency in his last season.
Devils assistant general manager Dan MacKinnon has said that Mercer is one of the players he's most interested in seeing in this NHL environment.
It doesn't guarantee anything. Mercer will have to put himself in a position to force the hands of management. But this upcoming tournament is just the start. He will be competing with his fellow draft picks, against some of the best from their opponents' clubs. This moment where all eyes are on the rookie tournament before the Hischiers, Hamiltons, Hughes, et al. arrive, this is where the impression can be first made.
You can expect Mercer to take every real shot at standing out from the rest.

2. Alexander Holtz

It won't be completely brand new for Alexander Holtz, having played 10 games in the American Hockey League last season after his campaign in Sweden came to a close. Just that little taste will be of benefit as he heads into his first camp with the organization.
And then there's the easy reason why he's on this list. He's a high draft pick, the first Devils selection in the 2020 draft (seventh overall), and with that comes expectation. Holtz will be interesting to watch while he adapts to all things North America. He's lived his whole life in his town in Sweden and this is the first time he'll be away from home on a prolonged basis.
Between the SHL, AHL, and World Junior appearances he totaled 58 games last season. Although his offensive numbers didn't quite jump off the page, he has a knack for scoring, and he can do it from just about anywhere on the ice.

3. The Net Battle

The battle between Nico Daws and Akira Schmid will be an interesting one that will begin in rookie camp. This will be a first glimpse into the battle for what could be the American Hockey League net, whether as a starter or the backup. Keep in mind that Scott Wedgewood is signed to a contract and penciling in Mackenzie Blackwood and Jonathan Bernier as the 1-2 punch in New Jersey, Wedgewood is likely going to be your starter in Utica, at least to begin the year.
The intrigue here is that there is a spot up for grabs in this training camp, and it's a role in Utica. The competition begins to partner up with Wedgewood and compete for the Comets net. Certainly, the team could carry three goaltenders, but this might also be a scenario where one of the two end up playing the ECHL to make sure everyone is getting ample starts and reps. All those logistics remain to be seen, but as both Daws and Schmid begin their entry-level contracts this season, this upcoming tournament in Buffalo will be a first at making an impact and drawing attention to their games.
The tournament in Buffalo won't be their only chance, but it's the one time over the next few weeks where the pool of goaltenders is much smaller, focusing all eyes on their play. Once the main training camp opens, the pool gets far deeper, and coaches' eyes are spread across a larger field. This tournament will provide that opportunity to stand out and make an impression.