Ryan Merkley

Merkley was acquired along with Matt Nieto by Colorado from San Jose in exchange for Jacob MacDonald and Martin Kaut on Wednesday. Merkley has no goals, ...

He hasn't played in the [NHL](/nhl/) this season, but he did score a goal and six points in 39 contests with the Sharks in 2021-22. [Merkley](/fantasy/hockey/players/2940962/ryan-merkley/) was acquired along with Matt Nieto by Colorado from San Jose in exchange for Jacob MacDonald and Martin Kaut on Wednesday.

The San Jose Sharks dealt D-man Ryan Merkley and forward Matt Nieto to the Colorado Avalanche for forward Martin Kaut and defenseman Jacob MacDonald.

Even with Colorado's influx of injuries opening up many lineup spots, Kaut never managed to carve out a consistent role for himself, with his new surroundings hopefully being just what the doctor ordered. Headlining Colorado's end of the return is Merkley, the 21st overall pick in the 2018 NHL draft who made a name for himself as a prospect with his high-end offensive game. Kaut was the 16th overall pick in the 2018 draft, making his NHL debut in the 2019-20 season but playing in just 47 games since then.

Colorado received forward Matt Nieto and defenseman Ryan Merkley from San Jose in exchange for defenseman Jacob MacDonald and forward Martin Kaut. The deal adds ...

Merkley is a project but could be in the mix this season with so many Avalanche injuries on the back end. He’s played in 27 games this year but with little impact (one goal and two assists). Merkley, 22, is a promising AHL blueliner with 14 assists in 30 games for the San Jose Barracuda this season.

EDMONTON, AB - APRIL 29: San Jose Sharks Defenceman Ryan Merkley (6). The Colorado Avalanche acquired defenseman Ryan Merkley and forward Matt Nieto ...

The 23-year-old winger has struggled to make an impact at the NHL level, tallying just three points in 27 games with the Avalanche this season. Kaut cleared waivers earlier this season and is set to become a restricted free agent following the 2022-23 campaign. MacDonald is signed through 2023-24 at a $762,500 cap hit. He captured OHL Rookie of the Year in 2017 and led OHL blue-liners in assists in 2019 and 2020. He has eight goals and 15 points through 45 contests. His 43% expected goals for ranked last among Sharks defenders, according to

The Avalanche have gotten a head start on the trade deadline. Colorado acquired forward Matt Nieto and defenseman Ryan Merkley from the San Jose Sharks on ...

Nieto gives the Avalanche a forward that can slot in on the wing on any of the lower two lines. Acquiring a depth forward piece in Nieto at a time when the team desperately needs capable bodies up front, for an expendable piece in MacDonald is a solid move. He enjoyed career highs in both goals (15) and assists (19) during his time with the Avalanche from 2017-2020.

The Colorado Avalanche Hockey Club announced today that the team has acquired forward Matt Nieto and defenseman Ryan Merkley from the San Jose Sharks in ...

A second-round pick (47th overall) of the Sharks in the 2011 NHL Draft, Nieto has totaled 190 points (81g/109a) in 615 career NHL games with San Jose and Colorado and has added 21 points (8g/13a) in 55 career postseason contests. Merkley, 22, has recorded 14 points (0g/14a) in 30 games for the American Hockey League's San Jose Barracuda this season. He set career highs in games played (74) and goals (15) during the 2017-18 season and reached playoff career bests with four goals and seven points in 2018-19.

Matt Nieto and Ryan Merkley were traded to the Colorado Avalanche by the San Jose Sharks on Wednesday.

The 23-year-old had eight points (five goals, three assists) in 10 games for Colorado of the AHL this season. He has six points (three goals, three assists) in 47 NHL games since being drafted by Colorado in the first round (No. San Jose (14-25-10) is seventh in the Pacific Division. Kaut had three points (one goal, two assists) in 27 games for the Avalanche this season. Nieto, a forward, has 15 points (eight goals, seven assists) in 45 games this season. He was selected by San Jose in the first round (No.

Meanwhile, San Jose gets Jacob MacDonald and a name Avs fans will be intrigued to hear going the other way. No, it is not Sam Girard. Instead, it is Martin ...

Kaut had been a pedestal for debate with Avs fans this season but now heads to the Bay Area with 47 NHL games with three goals and assists under his belt. While he too shuffled between Loveland and Denver, in 76 career NHL games he brings two goals and 10 assists to the Sharks who continue to rebuild. Was considered to be one of the best defensemen in his draft class, but came with warning of potential behavioral issues. He’s spent the majority of time in the AHL with the San Jose Barracuda, however. Nieto returns to the Mile High City for his second stint in burgundy and blue. The Avs get Matt Nieto and Ryan Merkley in their part of the deal.