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The San Jose Sharks traded forward Matt Nieto and defenseman Ryan Merkley to the Colorado Avalanche for forward Martin Kaut and defenseman Jacob MacDonald.
Ryan Boulding: San Jose Sharks GM Mike Grier on the Kaut: “Martin is a former first-round pick who bolsters our group of young developing forwards at the American Hockey League level.”
Ryan Boulding: Grieer on MacDonald: “Jacob is a versatile veteran player who has been an All-Star at the American Hockey League level and will add depth to our NHL line-up.”
Thoughts from the media
Puck Pedia: “The #GoAvsGo obtained 22 y/o RD Merkley (863K Cap Hit then RFA) & 30 y/o F Nieto (Yr 2/2 850K then UFA) from #SJSharks for 23 y/o RW Kaut (863K then RFA) & 29 y/o LD MacDonald (Yr 1/2 763K).
Nieto & MacDonald remained in NHL, so COL included net $87.5K cap hit”
Corey Masisak: “Jacob MacDonald was toiling in the ECHL when NJ gave him a chance in the AHL in 2016-17. He instantly became a great offensive D-man at that level. He’s got 74 GP for the Avs over the past 3 years. Could be a 6/7/8 for SJS or be what Merkley was supposed to be for the Barracuda.”
Kyle Ferguson: “Nieto returns to Colorado where he played for three-plus seasons (2017-20)”
Meghan Angley: “Merkley is a young defenseman who wanted change of scenery and a change of scenery might be exactly what Kaut needed. He will have more opportunity in San Jose. Nieto fits Avs system so well, great depth addition with Helm’s status TBD. I am thrilled for all involved.”
First believed… the Sharks got hosed here.
They quit the much better possibility and an NHLer for an even worse possibility and an AHLer… and no choices.
Bet the Avs discover a method to make Merkley work… and now he has Makar as a coach too. https://t.co/feswIMJScp pic.twitter.com/TMmDlQvwuD
— Byron Bader (@ByronMBader) January 26, 2023
Martin Kaut and Jacob MacDonald have actually both played depth minutes for the Avs just recently.
Kaut is a young protective winger.
MacDonald has actually had strong lead to that time and likes tossing pucks on internet. Sixth in D efforts per 60 in the previous 3 seasons. pic.twitter.com/avnYPQpo7P
— JFresh (@JFreshHockey) January 26, 2023
Oh Merkley does have a 21-23 card. It isn’t great. He is young though. pic.twitter.com/8CZymkXz2j
— JFresh (@JFreshHockey) January 26, 2023
The Colorado Avalanche have actually gotten Matt Nieto & Ryan Merkley from the San Jose Sharks in exchange for Martin Kaut & Jacob MacDonald. This trade has to do with Kaut and Merkley particularly. They still have a possible to be legitimate NHLers in next years. pic.twitter.com/s26ew7W0uJ
— Andy & Rono (@ARHockeyStatistics) January 26, 2023
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