With six points in 12 games so far in the 2025-26 NCAA season, Merrill has seemingly transitioned from the BCHL without any growing pains. He is currently keeping the same half-point-per-game pace he was on in the 2024-25 BCHL season. If he develops some chemistry with one of Boston College’s better-known players, such as James Hagens, Dean Letourneau, or Teddy Stiga, he might have a higher per-game point production by the end of the season. Merrill has good size, and if he remains consistent throughout 2025-26, he can easily fill the projection of a middle-six forward in the AHL within two to three years.

Merrill played 50 games for the Penticton Vees of the BCHL in 2024-2025. He managed 15 goals and eight assists for 23 points. He has committed to Boston University in the NCAA next season, and fans and fantasy managers alike will get a better read on his development based on his performance there.

In the Montreal Canadiens draft video, scouts seemed enamoured by Ben Merrill’s large frame (6-4, 194), and high-end shot. The team agreed that if he can address issues in his game, notably his skating, which is clunky and unrefined, he could be a high-end NHL fourth line centre. With other big-bodied players coming up in the organization (fellow 2024 draftee Tyler Thorpe, and 2023 fourth rounder Florian Xhekaj), it is clear the direction the Canadiens want to take with the future fourth line.