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 acquired 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 were in NHL, so COL added 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 thought… the Sharks got hosed here.
They gave up the better prospect and an NHLer for a worse prospect and an AHLer… and no picks.
Bet the Avs find a way to make Merkley work… and now he has Makar as a mentor too. https://t.co/feswIMJScp pic.twitter.com/TMmDlQvwuD
— Byron Bader (@ByronMBader) January 26, 2023
Martin Kaut and Jacob MacDonald have both played depth minutes for the Avs recently.
Kaut is a young defensive winger.
MacDonald has had strong results in that time and loves throwing pucks on net. 6th in D attempts per 60 in the past three seasons. pic.twitter.com/avnYPQpo7P
— JFresh (@JFreshHockey) January 26, 2023
Oh Merkley does have a 21-23 card. It isn’t good. He is young though. pic.twitter.com/8CZymkXz2j
— JFresh (@JFreshHockey) January 26, 2023
The Colorado Avalanche have acquired Matt Nieto & Ryan Merkley from the San Jose Sharks in exchange for Martin Kaut & Jacob MacDonald. This trade is about Kaut and Merkley especially. They still have a potential to be legit NHLers in next years. pic.twitter.com/s26ew7W0uJ
— Andy & Rono (@ARHockeyStats) January 26, 2023