The New Jersey Devils were unexpectedly eliminated in the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs by the Carolina Hurricanes, prompting GM Tom Fitzgerald to indicate significant roster changes are forthcoming. With centers Jack Hughes and Nico Hischier established, Dawson Mercer, a former first-round pick, has struggled with production and faceoff statistics, raising questions about his future. While the Montreal Canadiens may consider Mercer as a potential project, his lack of established second-line center status may not align with their current rebuilding strategy.