BREAKING | Controversial Former first-round pick signs one year deal in China
There's been lots of speculation regarding the former 1st Rounder Ryan Merkley over the past few weeks.
Merkley headlined lots of controversies ever since he was drafted by the San Jose Sharks back in 2018 (21st). After being drafted, the offensive defenseman was dropped from his OHL team due to attitude reasons and it went from bad to worst at that point.
Merkley then graduated to the Sharks in 2020 where he then requested a trade for a «lack of opportunity». After spending half a season within the Colorado Avalanche's organization, it was just announced that he had signed a one-year deal to play in Kunlun, China:
''⚡️SIGNING UPDATE⚡️
Kunlun Red Star agreed to terms on 1-year contract with D Ryan Merkley
🇨🇦Oakville, ON native, Merkley (2000, 6'0", 185 lbs) has 39 games for
@SanJoseSharks
in NHL
Merkley is Hlinka Memorial champion with @HockeyCanada
and 21st overall pick in 2018 #NHLDraft''
Kunlun Red Star agreed to terms on 1-year contract with D Ryan Merkley
🇨🇦Oakville, ON native, Merkley (2000, 6'0", 185 lbs) has 39 games for
@SanJoseSharks
in NHL
Merkley is Hlinka Memorial champion with @HockeyCanada
and 21st overall pick in 2018 #NHLDraft''
Merkley is off to the KHL after 24 points in 58 AHL outing. Has noted by the Red Star's release, the defenseman took part in 39 NHL games throughout his career.
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