London Knights 2019-20 Season Thread

[LDN]

Always wondered what would have happened if the Jones' had their way and Sean Day was acquired. This move is 10x riskier but Merkley should be good for 50 points and 100 defensive headaches.

I'd say 70 points based on his body of work

 

[Buttsy]

A good pickup if he only QBs the PP he’s a solid acquisition. I’ve been back and forth on him bottom line we needed him as he immediately makes us an improved team. It’s not a big risk in the end he comes rather cheap of course for a reason! Best of luck I think he becomes a solid citizen and team player.

 

[TheCoach]

If Merkley buys in I think this is a go all out year

 

[Buttsy]

I wouldn’t be shocked in the next season or two to see San Jose “pay back” via an import placement the Knights? Wouldn’t shock me is all I’m saying Mark has many connections throughout the NHL?

 

[Millpond]

Former Knight Sergey Popov with 1G, 5A tonight in 10-0 Attack win in Barrie.

 

[Buttsy]

If Merkley buys in I think this is a go all out year

Don’t disagree but the beauty on this one is the cost doesn’t really make us drastically have to commit whether it’s all in or not? Could still cut him loose if it doesn’t work out?

 

[EvenSteven]

Don’t disagree but the beauty on this one is the cost doesn’t really make us drastically have to commit whether it’s all in or not? Could still cut him loose if it doesn’t work out?

You have options. If it doesn't work out, cut him loose. I suspect the conditions are if he's still on the roster by a certain date. Jan 1st maybe.

If he does work out, but you guys feel it isn't an all in year, you could move him at the deadline because if he does work out, his value goes back up again. If his value goes back up, you could cash in at the deadline.

 

[themelkman]

Well from a sharks fan, looks like im cheering for you guys this year. Merks had a really solid sharks camp and alot of us fans woulda liked him to head to some sort of next level.Guess we will see how he can do back in the O with a team with a strong org.

 

[zman77]

Ryan Merkley:
Merkley, 19, played in one preseason game, collecting two assists in the Sharks’ 4-3 loss to the Anaheim Ducks on Sept. 17.
More recently, Merkley had to miss time in training camp as he went through
concussion protocol.
“It’s been good,” Merkley said Tuesday when there were mostly NHL veterans left in camp. “Practicing with these guys is pretty incredible, the pace out there. The high-end talent we’ve got out there is pretty exciting.”
“He shows enough certainly on the hockey IQ and skills part that he fits with the NHLers,” Sharks assistant general manager Joe Will said of Merkley earlier this week.
Sharks' Ryan Merkley to play for London Knights this season

 

[Fastpace]

If Merkley wants to play hockey in London, he's got to buy into Dale's system or he sits. There is only one way with Dale , play his brand he reward you if you do not the ice time will slide away.

 

[zman77]

Peterborough Examiner: Merkley Trade with the London Knights
Ryan Merkley exercised a no movement clause in his OHL contract to steer himself to the London Knights, his agent confirmed Thursday night.
The Peterborough Petes consummated a deal with London which, according to sources, will see them receive a third-round draft pick in 2022 and either a second- or third-round pick in 2024 depending on conditions not disclosed.
Player-agent J.P. Barry said Thursday night the San Jose Sharks have returned Merkley to junior and he is catching a red-eye flight in order to join the Knights for their game Friday night against the Erie Otters.
The deal essentially recoups for Peterborough the conditional second and third round picks they had to give to the Guelph Storm if Merkley returned to the OHL this season.
Barry confirmed there were four teams which expressed interest and they considered them all, "but it just seemed really clear London was a really good development option for Ryan and he has family connections there. It just seemed like the best developmental spot for him."
The Petes decided and informed Barry in June they were going to trade Merkley rather than bring him back. It was not Merkley's choice to leave.
Peterborough Petes deal Ryan Merkley to London Knights

 

[Frank the Skank]

This is either going to be really good... or really bad....

 

[PhlyerPhanatic31]

People probably said that about Michael houser.

Still haven't seen another Houser wear a Knights jersey...have you? And please don't say Parsons is comparable to Houser...2 completely different playing styles ,work ethic and people. Houser and Parsons both had the ability to win you a game on their own..but I think that's as far as you can go in comparison


As for Merkley...we got him cheap..so even if it goes south we didn't have to remove any youth to acquire him..so it's a win

 

[nelli27]

Season tickets for sale.

 

[SaginawFan]

This is either going to be really good... or really bad....

From an outsider and a Saginaw fan who wanted him, I am thinking this pick will be great for you guys. Hunter will change his career path for the better. He will be a star this season for your team.

 

[ForestCityHky]

I think the bigger story here is that the Hunter's aren't going to be the ones who need to keep him in check. They re gone for a long time with team Canada. That's a lot of pressure to put on your assistant coaches


Edit: will it be awkward if/when the Hunter's cut Merkley from team Canada? If that happens and then he gets sent back to the AC's, that's a really tough spot for them

Based on talent alone, Merkley could make Team Canada and your point is moot. Obviously he will have to show that he can be a better teammate and improve his approach but he could make the team if that happens. San Jose will be pulling the strings hard too as I’m sure they have laid out what they expect from him the rest of this season. If he listens then good.

If not, he won’t make Team Canada. But give Rob Simpson some credit . he’s run his own show before.

 

[Maxxim1]

 

[PhlyerPhanatic31]

Season tickets for sale.

That new jersey is still blank....I say you'll have Merkley on the back by Christmas

 

[Knights77]

I love the acquisition! Costs very little, adds experience and an offensive weapon on the back end. Comparing Merkley to Timms is like comparing Pat Kane to Stranges...lol. Come on.
So what will be the play that has to happen where we say they “got Merked”? maybe an end to end rush resulting in a goal? Ah, I’m excited. Go Knights go!