While I’m inclined to agree with you, I would understand not playing him. He is not an NHL ready defenseman. At all. And putting him in before he’s ready could destroy his confidence, which among his many high end qualities, might just be his best. Probably prudent to let him season. He needs to spend the next year bulking up significantly and working on his defensive game. That being said, the armchair GM and fan in me says put him in, see how it works out. It’s a good thing I don’t run player development lol.I really hope Merkley gets some time with the big club this season. Nothing extensive, just the usual 9 games or whatever. Even if he didn’t play, I just think having the opportunity to learn from Karlsson, Vlasic and Burns would be amazing for his development.