San Jose sees potential in fiery teenager
When Doug Wilson said Monday that the Sharks might take a draft risk Friday, it was as if the general manager knew defenseman Ryan Merkley would be available at No. 21.
San Jose selected the 17- year- old from the Ontario Hockey League’s Guelph Storm with their first- round choice. The two- day draft in Dallas continues Saturday, with the Sharks holding two picks in each of the fourth, fifth and sixth rounds.
“He’s got high- end talent,” Wilson said of Merkley. “We spent quite a bit of time with him, and we believe in him.”
While showing a flair for offense with 122 points in 125 games over two seasons after getting drafted first overall into the OHL at age 16, Merkley’s maturity has come into question following several incidents.
In addition to outbursts on the ice and conflicts with former Guelph coach Jarrod Skalde — a former Sharks center — that led to being a healthy scratch, Merkley was hit with a three- game suspension in February after taking a baseball like swing to slash the legs of an opponent who stripped him of the puck.
“He’s gone through a few challenges, a couple of things were thrown his way,” Wilson said.
The 5- foot- 11, 168pound Merkley said in a post- draft interview he’s seeing a psychologist to get his temper issues under control. He admitted he can’t go into a locker room and behave the way he has in junior hockey.
“I guess I’ve got to keep growing, keep getting better, keep getting more experience, hopefully,” Merkley said. “( And) get a few exhibition games in, grow and get better.”
On the plus side, insiders rave about Merkley’s offensive abilities that include a nose for the net, the ability to make hard, crisp passes and a high hockey IQ.
“Finding a puck- moving defenseman like this who has a little bit of risk- reward we think it’s a good thing for us,” Wilson said.
Merkley followed his rookie season of 12 goals and 55 points in 62 games in 2016- 17 with 13 goals and 67 points in 63 games with the Storm last season.
“I like to play with the puck, and I know I have the confidence to play on the power play,” Merkley said. “I know I’ve got to get bigger, get stronger and commit to the defensive side for sure. I like to create and take chances.”
With depth and experience on defense, San Jose can afford to be patient with Merkley, who is as likely to return to junior hockey as he is to turn pro and play in the minors. Those decisions can wait until after development and training camp.
For now, Merkley is enjoying the possibilities.
“It was pretty special,” he said of being selected. “I was getting nervous up there just waiting. It’s been a long time. I was just happy.”