Possible trade between the Canadiens and the Sharks involving controversial defenseman Ryan Merkley: Kent Hughes must find out

The job of an NHL general manager is a tough one. It's more than just signing players and getting them traded. Being a GM is about having difficult conversations and sometimes making personnel moves you might not want to make.

That's exactly the situation that San Jose Sharks GM Mike Grier finds himself in. Grier was named general manager last summer and has largely formulated his long-term plans for his club. Those long-term plans likely originally included 2018 1st round pick Ryan Merkley.

That was until Merkley informed the team that he was no longer interested in being a member of the organization. Earlier this season, the young right-handed defenseman reportedly requested a trade and the Sharks are willing to meet his demands.





He's right up there with the kind of player Kent Hughes might covet. A promising right-handed defenseman who might not cost the earth in a trade. The only small hitch would be in the young man's attitude. He has had documented attitude problems since the beginning of junior field hockey and they seem to have followed him to the NHL.

If the CH, along with Martin St-Louis, were able to get Merkley back on track, it would be quite an asset for the club!

Martin Lemay believes that Kent Hughes should try out and that he should be informed: