By Andrew Phillip Chernoff | CanucksBanter
August 18, 2023
HC Kunlun Red Star of the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL) has agreed to terms on a 1-year contract with Canadian defenceman Ryan Merkley on August 18, 2023.
The Oakville, Ontario 6’0″, 185 lbs native most recently played for the Colorado Eagles of the American Hockey League (AHL) as part of the NHL Colorado Avalanche organization, and was a free-agent when signed by Red Star.
Merkley was drafted in the first round, 21st overall, by the San Jose Sharks in the 2018 NHL Entry Draft.
Merkley won gold at the 2017 Ivan Hlinka Memorial Cup with HockeyCanada.
History
San Jose Sharks (2018–2023)
- On June 22, 2018, he was selected with the 21st pick in the 2018 NHL Entry Draft by the San Jose Sharks. He signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the Sharks on July 18, 2018.
- Prior to the 2018–19 season, he was reassigned to Guelph Storm of the Ontario Hockey League.
- Following the conclusion of his junior season in 2018–19, the Sharks assigned Merkley to their American Hockey League affiliate, the San Jose Barracuda. Merkley played in his first career AHL game on April 12, 2019 against the Colorado Eagles, and had two shots on goal in a 3–1 win. Merkley appeared in two regular season games, earning no points.
- In the following 2021–22 season, Merkley made his NHL debut for the Sharks on October 30, 2021, in a 2–1 win over the Winnipeg Jets. Three days later, Merkley scored his first goal in a 5–3 victory against the Buffalo Sabres. In splitting the season between the Sharks and Barracuda, Merkley contributed with 1 goal and 6 points through 39 games from the blueline for the Sharks.
- Approaching the 2022–23 season, Merkley was unable to make the Sharks opening roster. He was assigned to continue his development in the AHL with the Barracuda.
- Merkley added 14 assists through 30 games with the San Jose Barracuda before remaining a healthy scratch after requesting a trade away from the Sharks organization on January 1, 2023.
Colorado Avalanche
- Merkley’s trade request was accommodated when he was dealt, along with Matt Nieto, to the Colorado Avalanche in exchange for fellow 2018 first-round pick Martin Kaut and defenceman Jacob MacDonald on January 25, 2023. He was immediately reassigned by the Avalanche to their AHL affiliate, the Colorado Eagles.
Source: Wikipedia, https://hcredstar.com