Toronto Maple Leafs: 2018 NHL Draft Risers and Fallers in February
By Austin Owens
Faller: Ryan Merkley, Defence, Guelph Storm (OHL)
At the end of last season, Merkley was being hyped up as one of the most dynamic defenders to come out of this class.
His offensive game can be put in the same breath as the Dahlin’s and Boqvist’s of the class. The issue with the Guelph defenceman has never been his offensive game. He is a dynamic threat at that end, with great hands, passing and hockey IQ. He can be the quarterback on the power-play and put up points.
The questions arise when looking at his size and defensive ability. For all the wowing he does offensively, it’s the other aspects of Merkley’s game that are going to determine how far he can go as an NHL-calibre defenceman.
"One of the youngest players in this draft, he’s also one of the most offensively gifted. The reigning OHL Rookie of the Year boasts elite offensive skills from the back end. Vision, passing, dynamic edges, top end speed and acceleration. His play in his own zone and decision-making without the puck is still very much a work in progress, but the right-handed defender has the makings of a dynamic point-producer. His boom or bust tag has been well earned. – Cam Robinson, Dobber Prospects"
This season has been a relatively good one for Merkley. However, February did him no favours in terms of draft stock. He had just two points in seven games, while finishing with a -4 and 13 penalty minutes.
There’s a chance that Merkley could go from a projected lottery selection at the beginning of the year to a spot in the 20’s come June.
He’ll be one to watch when the draft rolls around, as he needs to prove himself to teams down the stretch. Guelph has clinched an OHL playoff spot, so he will get that chance in the postseason.