Quote:
Originally Posted by 1qqaaz
I still can't decide as to whether I think Mercer or Holtz is better
Holtz gets 2.226 points per 60 minutes played (even strength). Mercer only gets 1.713.
The difference is even larger in terms of even strength production.
For comparison's sake, Holtz would be the 5th most productive player on the Flames after Coleman, Kadri, Sharangovich and Zary. Mercer would be around the same as Pospisil.
Mercer is underperforming. Last year, he produced 2.474 points per 60 minutes player. That's around the same as what Kadri and Lindholm did last year.
I think Holtz probably has the higher upside, but Mercer is more versatile and proven. I wouldn't be surprised if the Devils are more willing to trade Mercer due to his struggles this year. A good buy low candidate, similar to Kuzmenko.
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Imo you're missing a lot of context to be able to draw conclusions to these stats.
First - Holtz is a winger, Mercer is a center. P/60 generally favours wingers over centers, so using that as a straight comparison is inherently flawed.
Second - How is Mercer being utilized this year vs. Holtz? Has his linemates changed? Is he playing against better players? What % of ozone vs. dzone starts does he get?
The drop in p/60 may just indicate Mercer taking on more responsibility and further developing as a center in the NHL.