SAN JOSE — Sharks prospect Ryan Merkley is heading back to the Ontario Hockey League.
Merkley, the Sharks’ first round draft choice in 2018, was reportedly traded by the Peterborough Petes to the London Knights on Thursday. Merkley was scheduled to leave the Bay Area later Thursday evening to join his new team, Darren Dreger of TSN first reported.
Merkley played in one preseason game, collecting two assists in the Sharks’ 4-3 loss to the Anaheim Ducks on Sept. 17. More recently, Merkley had to miss time in training camp as he went through concussion protocol. He practiced with the Sharks on Monday and with the Barracuda on Wednesday.