By ALAN SNEL
LVSportsBiz.com
In a sport where its major league players are known for their politeness and modesty, Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Jon Merrill takes selflessness to a new level.
The strapping, six-foot, four-inch Michigander rarely draws the limelight in a locker room with gregarious personality types like fellow defenseman Nate Schmidt or rough-and-tumble Ryan Reaves.
But Merrill has elevated his game in the second half of this season, adding an uncharacteristic offensive touch to his defensive-minded skills.
Dollar-for-dollar, he’s also one of the best values on the Golden Knights. He’s seeing more playing time paired with defenseman Colin Miller and making $1.275 million this season. Merrill is set to make $1.475 million in 2019-20.
What sets Merrill apart is that he’s a laid-back personality type who rides a scooter to City National Arena while being a fierce competitor during game time. He also enjoys the landscape of Red Rock Canyon. LVSportsBiz.com chatted with Merrill after a practice held at T-Mobile Arena Wednesday.
“I went yesterday, but it was so overcrowded I almost went home,” Merrill said.
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The NHL players were polled and it’s clear — they like William Karlsson’s hair.
The 2018-19 players poll said Karlsson had the third best hair in the NHL.
Check the poll — T-Mobile Arena has the best atmosphere, according to the players.
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Defenseman Nate Schmidt said he’s endorsing Hyundai cars. But with his personality, the fun-loving Schmidt would be a great happy hour host.
Schmidt said he’s not a late-night, early-morning guy — so he would prefer doing a later afternoon happy hour host job.
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The Knights play the Winnipeg Jets in a crucial Western Conference game Thursday night at T-Mobile Arena. LVSportsBiz will be at the Top of the Escalator at 5:45 PM for the pregame segment on Facebook Live.
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