The Dawson Mercer show is coming to the NHL. That has never been in question.

There were questions around the ETA of the owner of the CHL’s craziest highlight reel. It appears we won’t have to wait very long. With the NHL starting in less than two weeks, Mercer has likely played himself into the New Jersey Devils’ opening night lineup.

Given Mercer’s performance with Chicoutimi last season, this is not all that surprising. This man’s a damn artist out there on both sides of the puck.

We already know that Mercer has the offensive skill to play in the NHL, so let’s start with the artistry on the defensive side of the puck.