Devils' Jon Merrill: Will not play Friday

Merrill (illness) won't play in Friday's matchup with Montreal.

Analysis:

The defenseman isn't much of a scorer, with only four points in 23 games this season, so his absence alone won't make much of a splash in most fantasy leagues. However, when a top-four defender is out, there's typically a ripple effect for the rest of the guys playing the position. Kyle Quincy and Karl Stollery will probably soak up most of the playing time that's up for grabs due to Merrill's absence -- he's averaging 18:11 of ice time.