Ryan Merkley has been an intriguing prospect for numerous of years. The highly-skilled, offensive defensemen has been known to carry elite offensive ability, but struggles to play a consistent defensive game. Merkley, now 22-years-old, is currently with the San Jose Barracuda of the AHL. The defensemen has yet to put up a high-point season since his junior days.
Does the good outweigh the bad? For Merkley, it is certain that his offensive skill and puck handling ability is certainly of NHL level. But does the offense makeup for his poor defensive efforts? The Sharks sent Merkley down to the AHL this training camp, after the righty was a mainstay in the NHL lineup last season.
The offensive defensemen suited up for 39 NHL games last season, playing a consistent role on the third-line, and leading the second power play unit. Merkley was able to notch his first NHL goal, against the Buffalo Sabres, while also recorded six assists during his stint.
It is quite present that Merkley has looked better playing at the NHL level, rather then the AHL level. The Oakville, Ontario native has playing in 67 AHL games over the course of his development. Playing top-minutes, on the premier power play, Merkley only recorded 32 points. Although, it is present that Merkley's playing style does not fit the rugged, physical method of the minor leagues.
It is unclear why the Sharks demoted Merkley to the AHL, as the team continues to struggle with veteran presences in their lineup. For the young defensemen, time is running out, an impact at the AHL level will need to be made in-order to get back to the NHL level. So far this season, Merkley has two assists in four games.
The San Jose Sharks are currently contending in the race to draft Connor Bedard. The Sharks currently sit near the bottom of the entire league, with just two wins in nine games.