BREAKING: 2018 1st Rounder Signs With Chinese Team

Drafted 21st overall in 2018, many had high hopes for Ryan Merkley. Offering a unique offensive package as a defenseman, Merkley was hoping to one day become an NHL all-star.

However, he has struggled to adapt to the NHL level registering only 39 games and six total points. Primarily playing in the AHL, Merkley has been alright but he was looking for a bigger challenge.

Today it was announced that he has signed with the Kunlun Red Star, a team based out of Beijing, of the KHL.

Merkley will now join a bunch of former drafted players in Kunlun like Cliff Pu, Austin Wong, and Parker Foo. If he is able to prove himself, he may prove to be worth an NHL contract once again.