Confirmed Trade: [COL/SJS] Matt Nieto and Ryan Merkley for Martin Kaut and Jacob MacDonald

[TheBeard]

I always think it's fascinating how fans of NHL teams seem to think that players who aren't especially good at the AHL level are somehow getting ruined or screwed over by not getting big minutes at the NHL level. They couldn't be bothered with being better than their AHL teammates. If only the NHL organization had given them NHL powerplay time surely they could have been bothered to improve.

MG made it clear when he was hired as GM that he wanted to change the culture of the organization, so no one should be shocked Merk didn't make it with his effort and attitude. Giving him a spot solely because of pedigree or draft spot is the opposite of that concept.

 

[hohosaregood]

If only it was that simple.

But that wasn't his point, simply that San Jose play's a slower pace that fits Kaut's playstyle and the Avs' fit Merkley's playstyle better. This isn't to say that Merkley/Kaut will figure their shit out, but if they do they'll both be in a better position to develop into a serviceable NHL player.

Merkley doesn't play with pace at all. Rather than either team being a fit, I'd say he just doesn't know how to play the game at the pro level. There's a small chance he was checked out this year for not making the NHL and he could turn it up once he joins the Avs or the Eagles...but that's another red flag if that really was the case.

 

[Wedontneedroads]

This will end up just like the Sgarbossa trade.

Merkley just can’t hang at the NHL level.