On Thursday August 13th, the Kansas City Mavericks agreed to a trade with the Jacksonville Icemen involving defensemen Kevin McKernan. The deal swaps the right-handed shooter for the rights to forward Pierre-Luc Mercier. In 56 games with the Mavericks last season, McKernan racked up three goals along with 17 assists for a total of 20 points.
Pierre-Luc Mercier begins the regular season with the Orlando Solar Bears, but he only appeared in one game with the team before being released, seeing him sign with the Icemen. Having signed a contract with Jacksonville, Mercier played 29 games where he scored 10 goals along with 10 assists. He recorded these totals for 20 poi’s registered.
In late January, Mercier left the franchise to sign overseas in Slovakia with HK Poprad. Mercier racked up three goals along with eight assists for 11 points. He amassed these numbers in 13 games played.
In a statement from the Grafton, MA native upon having signed on with HK Poprad, Mercer said that “it can be a chance to win a contract in Europe for the next year.” That being said, if Mercier’s intention is to remain in Europe, then this trade may be nothing more than an attempt by Kansas City to get a potential return on the ECHL rights to Kevin McKernan. However, if a contract is reached between the Mavericks and Mercier, he will bring in a lot of toughness as well as professionalism. Mercier loves to battle on the ice, always sticks up for his teammates and is an experienced pro hockey player.