Jon Merrill (head) is fully expected to be ready to play once the regular season starts, Rich Chere of the Newark Star-Ledger reports.

Merrill (head) is fully expected to be ready to play once the regular season starts, Rich Chere of the Newark Star-Ledger reports.

Analysis:

The Devils are still labeling Merrill day-to-day for precautionary purposes, after he collided with a teammate during practice last weekend. Coach Pete DeBoer acknowledged Merrill would be skating with the team if this were the regular season, which would seem to suggest the injury is a non-issue. The 22-year-old is ticketed for a full-time role with the Devils this season after an impressive showing as a rookie.