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