Recapping the Sharks 2018 Draft

Sharks 2018 draft does not lack intrigue

The San Jose Sharks made 5 selections in the 2018 NHL Entry draft. Their first-round pick was an absolute shocker in relation to previous drafts.  The following rounds saw them go off the board early and often. Normally this would upset me more but the drafts second half was weaker than many previous draft classes. This allowed for Doug Wilson, Tim Burke, and company to pick up some passion projects in their picks. While there definitely are some eyebrow-raising picks I don’t think that it was as bad as it will potentially be made out to be.

Ryan Merkley – Defense

Selected: Round 1 (21st Overall)

Shoots: Right

Height: 5’11”

Weight: 165 lbs.

Country: Canada

Current Team: Guelph Storm (OHL)

Thoughts: I already gave an outline of what we would get with Ryan Merkley in a previous article so I don’t want to overly rehash it. What I will say about this pick is that this is a player that I’d never expect the Sharks to take with a first round pick. Frankly, I love it. This is the swing for the fences that fans have been clamoring for the Sharks to take with their first-round pick. Merkley has loads of talent. If not for some issues with his temper and maturity would have never made it to the sharks at 21, he likely does not escape the top 10.

New first round #SharksDraft pick Ryan Merkley speaks to the media. https://t.co/jfzzWYObsq

— San Jose Sharks (@SanJoseSharks) June 23, 2018

The thing I liked the most about hearing Merkley talk this weekend was that he owned it. This is important because one of the criticisms of his character is a lack of self-awareness. This is a player who could end up being the steal of the draft or another in a long line of early round defensive busts in the draft for the Sharks. The Sharks could have still made a risky pick here with some of the players on the board in players like K’Andre Miller with his raw talent. Ultimately I like this pick though because the skills are definitely there and it’s really up to Merkley to decide if he is going to be an NHL Player.

Ian’s Grade: B+

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