"Look, there's a reason why pretty much every contributor to this article used the word "polarizing" when describing Merkley (or at least a synonym). For all his offensive talents, his defensive shortcomings and overall attitude on the ice hasn't improved a whole lot over the last 15 months. Too easily frustrated by happenings on the ice and it carries over to his play, such as forcing rushes, or pouting and floating after turnovers. I will say one thing though, I don't agree with the comparisons to Ryan Murphy. I think that they are different players offensively. Merkley possesses better vision in the offensive end and it allows him to be a more dynamic player. Murphy relied on his skating ability and hands, but I think his lack of elite vision and poise really prevented him from being an NHL player. Merkley can use his speed and skating to create plays, but it's his passing ability and patience in tight that opens up lanes for him to exploit. Personally, I think that makes Merkley more likely to see his offensive prowess carry over, even if he causes some serious hair loss from his future coaching staff." - Brock Otten
Sounds an awful lot like Jack Eichel...
"An NHL Director of Scouting called Svechnikov “a Nikita Kucherov skill-set in an Alex Ovechkin’s body”, but there is more to this kid than even that intriguing summary of skills. Yes, he is a big strong kid with a lethal shot, who plays in the greasy areas of the rink but he also has some impressive and underappreciated playmaking abilities to boot. Add to the fact that he is not coasting around looking for his next offensive meal but also coming back hard and breaking up plays defensively, this talented young Russian is likely the OHL’s only top five talent in this draft class. And there does not look like there is anyone in the OHL that could usurp him from this top billing." - Dan Stewart
Ok I’m sold...passing on that would be pretty difficult.
OHL Prospects: Preliminary Media/Scout Poll for 2018
