BREAKING: 2018 1st Rounder Leaves the NHL

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James Connelly
August 18, 2023 (1:24 PM)

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A 2018 first-rounder has officially left the NHL to play overseas.

Merkley Signs In The KHL

The Kunlun Red Star of the KHL have announced that they have signed 2018 21st overall pick Ryan Merkley to a contract.

SIGNING UPDATE

Kunlun Red Star agreed to terms on 1-year contract with D Ryan Merkley

Oakville, ON native, Merkley (2000, 6'0", 185 lbs) has 39 games for @SanJoseSharks in NHL

Merkley is Hlinka Memorial champion with @HockeyCanada and 21st overall pick in 2018 #NHLDraft

Merkley has a boatload of offensive prowess but has yet to translate it to the NHL. In his 39 career games, he only has one goal and six points.

A year with Kunlun could do wonders for Merkley's career as it could prove him as a valuable NHL asset. Merkley will join the best Chinese professional hockey team in the world in hopes of helping them make the playoffs.

POLL
AOUT 18 \| 462 ANSWERS BREAKING: 2018 1st Rounder Leaves the NHL Will Merkley ever come back to the NHL?
Yes	97	21 %
No	365	79 %
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