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

[Gene Parmesan]

Pushing a player into the NHL before they're ready, especially physically, isn't great but I don't know if I buy the argument that it ruined Mueller. He probably just sucked to begin with and staying in the AHL longer wouldn't have fixed that.

Mueller's issues weren't physical. He doesn't think or see the game at a high enough level to be a consistent NHLer.

 

[Bizz]

Given the experience with rushing Mueller into the NHL, I would hope that DW would be a lot more careful and hesitate about doing it again.

I don't think not rushing Mueller would've made a difference. Mueller just sucks.

 

[Juxtaposer]

I don’t really think there’s any chance they’ll rush Merkley. This is a kid that’s going to marinate for 2-3 years before he’s ready. He’s going to need to work on his defensive play, show that he’s willing to give a complete effort at both ends of the ice, and prove that he can have a professional attitude and work with his teammates. I imagine Wilson knows this is going to have to be a delicate process if he wants Merkley to hit his ceiling.

 

[CrypTic]

Mueller's issues weren't physical. He doesn't think or see the game at a high enough level to be a consistent NHLer.

Watching a lower level game (preferably both slower and less complex) can help me understand a game and what's going on better. You have more time to process things before they happen. Once you process one or two things, you can start to notice more things bc you have more time. Pretty soon, it all becomes fast and automatic. It also helps if you have someone (like a coach) pointing out one or two things that you should concentrate on.

I'm not saying that playing more in the AHL (or juniors) would have helped Mueller process the game better but it may have.

I agree w most here: I don't think DW will rush Merkley into the NHL.

 

[Gene Parmesan]

Eh I think processing the game is something you either have or don't.

 

[Maladroit]

Another reason not to rush Merkley is that you'd prefer he doesn't become a player the Sharks need to protect in the Seattle expansion draft.

 

[LadyStanley]

Popped up on my youtube feed for some reason. Don't know if it's been posted yet.

Skalde & Harvey - Sharks alums

 

[one2gamble]

are people really thinking hes going to play in the Pro's next year? This kid is years away....

 

[Barrie22]

are people really thinking hes going to play in the Pro's next year? This kid is years away....

Same was said about vlasic.

 

[LadyStanley]

Admittedly, it was age 19 that Vlasic made NHL, not 18.

 

[Kcoyote3]

Merkley needs to find a defensive game before he makes an NHL roster and especially a PDB roster.

 

[Led Zappa]

I don’t really think there’s any chance they’ll rush Merkley. This is a kid that’s going to marinate for 2-3 years before he’s ready. He’s going to need to work on his defensive play, show that he’s willing to give a complete effort at both ends of the ice, and prove that he can have a professional attitude and work with his teammates. I imagine Wilson knows this is going to have to be a delicate process if he wants Merkley to hit his ceiling.

Which should put to rest the BS that Wilson only cares about the now to save his job.

 

[Juxtaposer]

Which should put to rest the BS that Wilson only cares about the now to save his job.

Well, let’s wait until it actually happens before pardoning Wilson due to my conjecture.

 

[one2gamble]

Same was said about vlasic.

he also wasnt a small offensive Dman who needs a lot of work on the d side of things....and wasnt Vlasic a year older?

 

[do0glas]

Im sure hes planning for the next expansion as well. As others have stated, taking on a project that could turn into a 1D is a good bet at this juncture and where we picked. If he turns into that faster than expected you protect him, but if he needs tp go the meier route it gives you options

 

[hohosaregood]

I think he could make an argument to make the NHL in his D+2 year if he puts on muscle and shows that he's more active in the defensive zone.

 

[Gene Parmesan]

I'm thinking he gets a real look next year.

 

[FeedingFrenzy]

I'm thinking he gets a real look next year.

Me too.. Pair him with Pickles. See what happens..

 

[Lebanezer]

Now would be a great time for the Sharks to hire Boyle as a development coach.

 

[OffSydes]

I dont know what this means but I'm sure he is a lock for the HHOF now

 

[hohosaregood]

We just drafting sharks fans when we can?

 

[Friday]

We just drafting sharks fans when we can?

Seems like it haha

 

[SactoShark]

Now would be a great time for the Sharks to hire Boyle as a development coach.

That sounds… volatile.

 

[Gene Parmesan]

Now would be a great time for the Sharks to hire Boyle as a development coach.

I don't think Boyle would make a good coach.

 

[hohosaregood]

I don't think Boyle would make a good coach.

Boyle was definitely one of those guys who were like "not my job to mentor punk kids".