After rumors swirled for weeks about where San Jose Sharks prospect Ryan Merkley would play hockey in 2019-20, we finally have an answer. The Peterborough Petes have traded Merkley to the London Knights in the OHL in exchange for a 2024 conditional second or third round pick, and a 2022 third round pick. This is the second time Merkley has been traded in junior hockey, while a reputation for being a tough player to coach has followed him everywhere.
Selected 21st overall in 2018, there are few defensive prospects in the world with as much playmaking skill as Merkley. His ability to create room for himself on the blueline and then find an open teammate through traffic is almost unmatched, and he can use his elusiveness to skate the puck out of trouble in his own end. That play in the defensive zone has been questioned because of a troubling work ethic, but there’s absolutely no doubt that Merkley has all the skill required to be an NHL defenseman.
That’s exactly what the Sharks saw in him and why they already signed Merkley to his entry-level contract last summer. Even with all of the frustration he may have caused coaching staffs over the years, he still has the talent to do almost anything he wants on the ice at the junior level. That’s why it is so surprising to see the incredibly small return that the Knights had to give up. NHL first-round picks don’t get traded for conditional mid-round picks, instead usually grabbing a huge package that would include several top selections.
Still, for Merkley the Knights may be the best place for him right now. The London organization is one of the most stable in the OHL and an NHL breeding ground that has dealt with their fair share of projects over the years. Hopefully the 19-year old will be able to right the ship and fulfill his promise as an elite offensive defenseman. After a solid showing in San Jose training camp, his contract will slide forward again as he plays his final year of junior.
You’d have to imagine this is almost certainly his last shot in the O. If he stinks up the locker room there I can’t see anyone taking him at the deadline.
Excellent move for my London Knights hopefully this kick starts them into winning mode!
JD,
Likely as its his 4th year in the O. Once again do your homework. You really think Dale Hunter will put up with any type of misbehaviour. He got shipped to the right team for it to be corrected.
GO KNIGHTS!
Worry about your sens who wont make the playoffs. Your jays who are gonna be bad for awhile. Your Raptors who gauranteed will not repeat. I’d assume your a 67’s fan too… good luck with that. Lots of heart break for you cheering for those teams buddy!
-65 hes awful
JD,
-66 bud but once again with the grade two math. I haven’t seen the guy and I would imagine he’s been on some awful Guelph teams. He’s gonna much improved as I’ve said with Hunter as his coach!
Ah so +/- is a team related stat and not individual. Kind of like I’ve always said. Once again showing your ignorance to the game stick to your pet owning lessons.
JD,
It’s sometimes a combo of both. Pet owning what???
Hard to find anyone who will say anything positive about this kid. Other than he’s positively a headache to deal with.
Ya it’s amazing how he’s ran himself out of two teams already. He certainly is a frustrating player to watch but it must go beyond that. I almost feel like a move to forward might benefit him most since he won’t have as much defensive responsibility, because he really doesn’t seem to care about that aspect at all.
This kid must be a next-level douche. Anthony DeAngelo level of douche.