Prospect Info: 2018 Draft: Round 1, Pick #21 - Ryan Merkley, D (Guelph Storm/OHL)

[Juxtaposer]

I think he could be pretty similar to Dan Boyle.

If everything goes right, he’s Dan Boyle. Still could be a valuable sheltered third pairing offensive guy who can QB the first PP unit even if he doesn’t hit his top-end upside. If he can figure out his issues and put consistent effort into his game, he’ll be a good one.

 

[LadyStanley]

Da early tweets

 

[Negatively Positive]

What are his actual character issues? Is there an article that details them?

It's nothing major. He's a serial killer.

I'm kinda wary because most Sharks fans are happy with the pick. We know what happens when Sharks fans are happy. We get Petrecki and Goldobin.

 

[OffSydes]

He McSorley'ed someone in the legs and was suppended for it.

 

[hohosaregood]

I like how he's open about his mental health stuff.

 

[Friday]

It's nothing major. He's a serial killer.

I'm kinda wary because most Sharks fans are happy with the pick. We know what happens when Sharks fans are happy. We get Petrecki and Goldobin.

He doesnt have any issues on the offensive side though, he has an anger problem and a perceived effort problem. Cool part is hes open about his mental health and what he needs to work on, I think thats a good sign.

 

[SJSharksfan39]

So Gackle calls it controversial yet I haven't seen why it's controversial. I mean is he almost Ruben foster bad or worse?

 

[Quid Pro Clowe]

I don't care about his rankings being low. His potential is something this team needed.

 

[LadyStanley]

Pictures

 

[Mr Fahrenheit]

He McSorley'ed someone in the legs and was suppended for it.

He hit somebody in the head in the legs?

 

[Gene Parmesan]

So Gackle calls it controversial yet I haven't seen why it's controversial. I mean is he almost Ruben foster bad or worse?

He has anger issues.

 

[SJSharksfan39]

He has anger issues.

If he's open about it and takes anger management, he could be an NHLer a changed man. Kind of have to give him the benefit of the doubt.

 

[Bowie22]

Great pick. High chance to bust, but his potential is sky high.

 

[Maladroit]

Posted this in the other thread but the only other defensemen drafted in the past 15 years to average at least 0.8 points per game in their 16 and 17 year old CHL season are Drew Doughty, Alex Pietrangelo, Ryan Ellis and Michael Del Zotto. You rarely get a player with this level of talent 21st overall.

 

[hohosaregood]

If he's open about it and takes anger management, he could be an NHLer a changed man. Kind of have to give hum the benefit of the doubt.

Already told the media he's speaking with a psychologist right now so definitely getting help.

 

[weastern bias]

Glad to see we went boom/bust in the late 1st, we need players with truly high upside in the org looking forward

 

[Satastic]

He may bust, he may turn out amazing

I’m just happy we took someone that’s isn’t a low ceiling/meh reward kind of player
This pick makes me excited

 

[NorthernShark]

We don't riot anymore, like we used to do !

Very much so.

 

[Levie]

He has anger issues.

How often does this manifest in games?

 

[PacificOceanPotion]

I trust he'll grow mentally and physically in the coming years. Cant wait to see the player he could be if he realizes his potential. Btw, can anybody name the last #6 in a Sharks uni?

 

[Maladroit]

I trust he'll grow mentally and physically in the coming years. Cant wait to see the player he could be if he realizes his potential. Btw, can anybody name the last #6 in a Sharks uni?

Ozolinsh and if all goes well Merkley turns into a similar type of player. I guess Gorges is technically the most recent though.

 

[Lindgren]

His comments in the clip posted above certainly sound promising. Even if he's been coached on what to say, it seems that he really does understand what his problems are and what needs doing. Looks promising for the Sharks (speaking as a Canucks fan). I particularly liked his response to the question about being asked the same question repeatedly.

 

[Groo]

Is he going to pick up a positive work habit ?
Talent is meaningless if they aren't going to apply it

 

[Mattb124]

This board is filled with apologists, flippantly assuming a 17 year old could potentially mature and work past his anger issues...and acne.

He is like a Jumbo junior puck whisperer, such slick passing and vision.

 

[Maladroit]

If Merkley was born three weeks later he'd be eligible for next year's draft instead. This kid is super young and has a lot of time to figure out the alleged attitude issues as well as his defensive game. All things being equal younger players historically develop much better because even six to eight extra months of development makes a big difference at that age. An Evan Bouchard or Quinn Hughes are much closer to being the finished product version of themselves than Merkley is right now.