that can't be good for his development, especially after that long-ass suspension
I thought this was relevant so I just created a thread because lockout
Quote:
Merrill watched Wednesday’s practice at Yost Ice Arena with his neck immobilized in a brace. Berenson said Merrill will be immobilized for several weeks, but expects him to return to action this season.
New Jersey Devils general manager Lou Lamoriello told The Record that Merrill will be sidelined six weeks. The Devils own Merrill’s NHL rights.
Does the title of the article make it sound worse than it is? Or is the implication that he'll be out longer than 6 weeks? Because six weeks doesn't sound like a "significant part of the season". A long time and a good amount of games sure, but...
Does the title of the article make it sound worse than it is? Or is the implication that he'll be out longer than 6 weeks? Because six weeks doesn't sound like a "significant part of the season". A long time and a good amount of games sure, but...
I think the implication here is that sidelined for at least 6 weeks actually means "in a brace for at least 6 weeks". Then there's all that getting back to game shape process which, since it's something around his neck, I assume will last for quite a while to avoid screw-ups.
Not to mention the season's only like 40+ games anyway.
I don't think he's had 'multiple' injuries and I don't see why he can't recover from this. The problem of course is having two consecutive seasons playing maybe 15-20 games is going to stunt his development for at least another year when you want him to play 80+ games one day in the near future.
I don't think he's had 'multiple' injuries and I don't see why he can't recover from this. The problem of course is having two consecutive seasons playing maybe 15-20 games is going to stunt his development for at least another year when you want him to play 80+ games one day in the near future.
This is mainly why this injury is more significant than it normally would be.
At least it isn't going to wipe out his whole season. He'll recover properly, and then he'll come back. I'm not terribly worried about this affecting his career long term.
I have a cousin and a Uncle who both broke their necks. One you wouldn't know unless you ask about the scars. The other cant turn his head. I think because he's young it will be more of the former and the loss of games hurts his development more then the injury.
The article makes it sound like they didn't know how bad it was until the MRI. That could mean it's a less serious injury. I certainly hope that's the case.
Gary Roberts and Erik Cole both come to mind and they had significant neck/back injuries. Both were out awhile, but both came back to be productive NHLers and I don't think the neck/back problems affected them too much. That's what I'm hoping for here anyways.
Gary Roberts and Erik Cole both come to mind and they had significant neck/back injuries. Both were out awhile, but both came back to be productive NHLers and I don't think the neck/back problems affected them too much. That's what I'm hoping for here anyways.
The counter example that leaps to mind is Steve Moore, but I don't think Merrill's injury is quite that serious.
Merrill has nothing left to prove on the ice at UM. I just hope he's improved as a person (which it sounds like he has) and he can recover from this.
Sounds like, realistically, he could be back around the same time as last year.
Yeah he don't have anything more to prove there is right. He should just focus on school, and then he knows whenever he's ready he'll be with us in the organization whether it's the Albany, or Jersey.
