New Jersey Devils notes: On Mercer's return, blueline health & reuniting Hughes and Meier

It's been a noteworthy first few days of camp for the Devils. Let's dive into the latest and greatest.

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A few New Jersey Devils thoughts on noteworthy topics from the first few days of camp:

Time is of the essence

I think it’s extremely important the Devils and Dawson Mercer were able to come to terms on a new deal early in camp.

This is a very unique preseason in that the team’s extended seven-game schedule is not nearly as long as it looks on paper.

The Devils are starting the regular season overseas, of course, and they’re leaving early to get acclimated and enjoy the experience.

That means the Devils have one week of preseason action – not two – to shake off the rust and find chemistry with potential linemates before the games begin.

The NHL guys don’t have seven games at their disposal to jump in and out of the lineup and find their footing. They have four at most.

Mercer needs to get into some of those games and dial in for the regular season the same as anybody else. If the contract stalemate lasted a little longer, he’d be getting thrown into the fire cold.

That’s not how to start a season when expectations are high and you’re adjusting to a new coach, new systems, and plenty of new personnel.

Disaster avoided with Nemec