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2018 NHL Draft: 5 players the Montreal Canadiens need to draft

By Luke Armstrong

(Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
(Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /
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WINDSOR, ON – SEPTEMBER 24: Defenceman Ryan Merkley #6 of the Guelph Storm is escorted to the penalty box during a game against the Windsor Spitfires on September 24, 2017 at the WFCU Centre in Windsor, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Dennis Pajot/Getty Images)
WINDSOR, ON – SEPTEMBER 24: Defenceman Ryan Merkley #6 of the Guelph Storm is escorted to the penalty box during a game against the Windsor Spitfires on September 24, 2017 at the WFCU Centre in Windsor, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Dennis Pajot/Getty Images) /

2. D Ryan Merkley – 2nd round (35th overall)

Who’s taking a shot at Ryan Merkley? The Guelph Storm defenseman clearly has top-10 skill but continued to plummet in rankings all year.

The reason? His attitude has been called in to question on multiple occasions. Scouts don’t like his defensive awareness and note that at times he seems to simply give up on backchecks. He also has a tough time controlling his emotions, with multiple outbursts taking place during the past year. The team went so far as to bench him while they were fighting for a playoff spot.

His offensive abilities are second-to-none, however, and he’s being viewed by many teams as high-risk, high-reward. He put up 55 points in his debut OHL season, and improved on that this year by notching 67 in 63 games. The ability to break the game open with his offensive instincts can’t be ignored and Montreal desperately needs help in the scoring department.

When attempting to draw comparables, you can see a lot of PK Subban in Merkley. Perhaps not so much the uncontrolled emotional outbursts, but their ability to generate offense and the constant questioning of the willingness to play defense permeate their OHL scouting reports. A style of play that can drive coaches mad when it’s hurting more than it helps, but that can tip a game in your favor when it’s working. It’s interesting to make note of the fact that George Burnett coached Subban in Belleville during his junior days, and is now overseeing Merkley’s development as Head Coach and GM of the Guelph Storm.

Montreal took a chance on Subban in the second round of the 2007 draft and reaped the rewards. They have another chance at 35 this year to select a similar prospect that teams are looking at hesitantly. Whether his attitude can improve and work within the Canadiens organization is a question that can’t be answered now. But with four picks in the second round, and Montreal’s desperate need for more scoring, they are perhaps best positioned to swing for the fences with Merkley. Go on, Bergevin…shoot your shot.

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