Defenseman Jon Merrill became Michigan's first incoming recruit to be picked in the 2010 NHL Draft when the Devils selected him in the second round. Merrill was once expected to be a first-round pick, but some character concerns dropped his stock and he wasn't taken until the 38th overall selection.

New Jersey has drafted 12 Michigan players over the years, including Brandon Burlon and David Wohlberg, both of whom are still in Ann Arbor and will be teammates with Merrill next season.