In their second move of the day, the Rangers have acquired 24 year old right wing Nicholas Merkley from the San Jose Sharks in exchange for defenseman Anthony Bitetto. Merkley was a former first round pick in the 2015 NHL Entry Draft by the Arizona Coyotes – 30th overall, but has not been able to establish a role in the NHL, having already played for three separate clubs.
In 41 games with the Coyotes, Devils and Sharks, Merkley is probably best known for his two year stint with the Rangers division rivals, where he played 31 games, with career highs of 2 goals and 8 assists in 27 games last season.
The 5-10 195lb Calgary native, will likely serve as a depth forrward for the Rangers, or perhaps help the Wolf Pack as they look set to return to the playoffs.
In exchange, the Rangers give up New York native Anthony Bitetto who has spent the entire year with the Wolf Pack, after seeing 14 games for his home town last season as an injury fill-in. Bitetto was originally signed as a free agent to provide a player that the Rangers could expose in last Summer’s expansion draft, but saw action when the Rangers reached into their depth
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