I’ve been following Ryan since the Sharks drafted him and have been hoping he can overcome his controversy laden Junior career.
My question is related to a couple of comments that a few Longer Term Members (Respected) have made in this thread. The comments were in regards to switching Ryan from Defense to Forward (Wing) due to his lack of size and issues in his own end against big wingers.
To the London Knights HF Members: is this something that you consider a possibility and/or maybe has been trialed at times this season?
No. He’s a defence man. Just have to insulate him properly.
Greetings,
I think the Sharks organization want Merkeley to develop as a d-man, and that Hunter will use him in that capacity. Having said that, Hunter could tinker with putting Merkeley up front short term/some shifts, but that's all. Merkeley is a dynamic offensive d-man but needs much work defending. He's high risk, high reward. Hunter thus far has only used him on D.
I suggested it somewhat “tongue in cheek” when I was seeing posts shocked that his Defensive Game was so weak (like hello that was a real shocker?). Also we are only where we are at pretty much because of McMichael so a little extra offence spread out would be nice. Realistically though he will be on the backend and you will have a far more mature Merkley once he finishes up his year in London. There is no BS on a Dale Hunter team. If you want ice time you earn it and you better be on the “team bus” or your backside will be leaving on a bus.
Thank you all for the replies. I do not have the right to speak for the Sharks Board. However, IMHO they have a fair number of knowledgeable Members and their collective opinion mirrors yours and mine (as a simple Hockey Fan). Playing for the Hunter's is going to give Ryan the best chance to get his attitude out of the way of his skill set.
Cheers.
