Sharks top prospect Merkley traded in shocking turnaround in the OHL!

It seems like the saga has come to an end, it’s however too soon to tell if it will be a happy one for all parties involved. 

TSN's Darren Dreger reported late on Thursday that the London Knights have acquired San Jose Sharks 2018 first round pick Ryan Merkley of the Peterborough Petes. 

Merkley was expected to fly home Thursday night to join the Knights after a very successful NHL Training Camp with the Sharks. 

Despite a promising camp in San Jose, it has been a hectic summer for the young defenseman. 

For those unaware of Merkley’s reputation, well… there’s a reason he slipped to 21st in the 2018 NHL Entry Draft despite having arguably the best skill set of his entire peer group. 

The 19 year old defenseman has been plagued by character questions throughout his entire major junior career and former teammates have even come out to criticize Merkley.

He was traded to the Petes from the Guelph Storm last season after the Storm’s coaching staff had more or less given up on trying to discipline him.

At one point this month, it was believed that the Petes had given up trying to move Merkley, who had almost been kicked out of the OHL. Some expected him to join the Junior B Caledonia Corvairs.

It seems that Merkley will be in London instead. The pairing of the controversial blue liner and head coach Dale Hunter should be an interesting one… 

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