SJHN Daily: Merkley Not Qualified by Avalanche

The Colorado Avalanche aren’t qualifying Ryan Merkley, making him a UFA.

Reported first yesterday by The Athletic’s Peter Baugh, Merkley was the San Jose Sharks’ first-round pick in 2018. Along with Matt Nieto, Merkley was acquired in a prospect swap by the Avs and Sharks that netted San Jose Martin Kaut plus veteran defenseman Jacob MacDonald.

The #Avs also didn’t give Ryan Merkley a qualifying offer. He’s a former first round pick who came over with Matt Nieto for Jacob MacDonald and Martin a Kaut. Merkley will be a UFA July 1. https://t.co/71OaNF0bIT

— Peter Baugh (@Peter_Baugh) June 29, 2023

Merkley was selected 21st-overall in the 2018 NHL Draft and heralded as one of the most skilled defenseman in the class, seeing himself ranked in the top-10 in some rankings. However, concerns about his character and commitment to defense made him drop.

The 22-year-old didn’t play in the NHL this season after posting a goal and six assists in 39 NHL games in 2021-22. He was even benched for two periods by San Jose Barracuda head coach John McCarthy in December before eventually requesting a trade from the organization a week later:

Was Merkley’s benching primarily from the second goal? McCarthy: “a little bit (about) buy-in. Didn’t think he was going”

— Josh Frojelin (@JoshFrojelin) December 28, 2022

Sources say #sjsharks have made 2018 first-round pick D Ryan Merkley available. Merkley recently requested a trade and Sharks are trying to accommodate.

Merkley, 22, has played 39 NHL games and still has waiver eligibility.@DailyFaceoff

— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) January 3, 2023

Merkley had no goals and 14 assists in 30 games with the Barracuda before the trade. In 28 games for the Colorado Eagles, Merkley put up two goals and eight points. San Jose Hockey Now spoke with Merkley after the trade:

Ryan Merkley on What Went Wrong With Sharks, What’s Going Right in Colorado (+)

Who will take a flier on Merkley this summer?

AT SAN JOSE HOCKEY NOW…

Newest San Jose Sharks’ forward Will Smith discusses his grandfather’s impact on his hockey career.’

Mike Grier discusses Smith’s edge and Quentin Musty’s large skillset.

Locked on Sharks loves the San Jose Sharks’ first two selections of the 2023 NHL Draft.

The Sharks are considering taking on Tyler Myers‘ contract?

OTHER SHARKS NEWS…

Nashville (Sharks' Version) 🦈 #NHLDraft pic.twitter.com/qaILmiI9Ux

— San Jose Sharks (@SanJoseSharks) June 30, 2023

The Hockey Writers explains why the Sharks opted for Will Smith instead of Matvei Michkov.

Mitchell Brown has Luca Cagnoni as one of the best defensemen selected in Day 2 of the NHL Draft.

Brandon Svoboda gets a huge hug from William Whitelaw.

Svoboda will be going back to Youngstown next season. pic.twitter.com/PXdjA0DOM1

— JD Young (@MyFryHole) June 29, 2023

AROUND THE NHL…

The Chicago Blackhawks are looking to build around Connor Bedard with some recent veteran additions.

It takes a lot of guts to have that kind of composure with a stutter. Leo is gonna be an inspiration to a lot of kids who deal with stutters https://t.co/Winx3bXtCo

— CJ Woodling (@CJWoodling) June 29, 2023

The Colorado Avalanche acquired Ross Colton.

Is Reilly Smith going to replace Jason Zucker?

Adam Gajan finishes an impressive draft year as the highest goalie taken in the 2023 NHL Draft.

More info according to multiple sources in women's hockey tonight:

-The PHF will cease all operations

-The PHF's player contracts will be terminated; players will receive severance and a period of continued health benefits

More details via @TheAthletic https://t.co/dtLlHyMyZ6

— Hailey Salvian (@hailey_salvian) June 30, 2023

The Detroit Red Wings acquire two Edmonton Oilers players for future considerations.

Draft analysis from Montreal Canadiens general manager Kent Hughes.

Tyler Peddle, the last player selected at the #NHLDraft, didn’t leave his seat all day because he didn’t want to miss his name being called.#CBJ traded to get the pick and Tyler said “I’m going to make it worth it. All I needed was a chance. I’ll work hard to prove them right.” pic.twitter.com/mwCQotn6OJ

— Julie Robenhymer (@JulieRobenhymer) June 29, 2023

The New York Islanders trade Josh Bailey to Chicago.