Quoting: Celtics21
It’s kind of interesting, because statistically this year … Mercer isn’t a premium asset. 56 points at 21 years old and a +22 says he is. He's regressed to a level better than his 20 year old season, but closer it it than what you’d expect. I value him as a very good asset, but wouldn’t trade Swayman for him. I’m not sure he’s a center not that it really matters.
Gustavsson should be the target for goalie poor teams
Mercer can certainly be a C. Just not really an opportunity with Nico & Jack.
Even with the diminished play this year the value remains sky high. Just look at what Dach went for with AWFUL play. A guy who has a lot of cheap team control, center potential, and any kind of production is going to have sky high value in today’s NHL.
The alternative is spending 5+ mill on a guy like JT compher to fill your Center needs.
Elias Lindholm is the only decent C hitting UFA this year.
After that it’s a big fish in Drai, older Tavares who’s gonna get overpaid, and what? Ancient Crosby if he leaves? Old Nelson? Old gourde? Bennett? There’s NOBODY really out there for teams looking for a top 6 C