NHL Top prospects game: Who hurt, helped stock?

Ryan Merkley – Stock down

To call Ryan Merkley a dynamic offensive defenseman is an understatement. He leads his OHL team the Guelph Storm with 57 points in 47 games. Where Merkley struggles is deciding when to join the play offensively. Often times he is so eager to jump into the play and make a difference he will leave his team in a bad position defensively.

Merkley could hear his name called in the top ten of this year’s draft but he will need to improve his decision making. When the puck is on his stick he is an elite play maker with extraordinary vision. He will thrive in powerplay situations where he will have time to dissect the whole ice and make great plays.

During the game Merkley’s talents were on display early and often. He only picked up one assist but made countless plays in the offensive zone because of his puck carrying skills and his passing ability. He was also steady in his own zone as well. There is no doubt Merkley needs to grow and mature his all-around game, but his pure offensive talent makes him such an exciting prospect. If he can grow his game the second half of the season and a deep playoff run, he can play himself into the top 10. It will not be easy there are a lot of top defensive prospects this year.