Matt Nieto moved up the standings today as he was traded by the San Jose Sharks to the Colorado Avalanche.
Nieto, Merkley traded to Avalanche by Sharks https://t.co/2d35QTv3G4
— NHL.com (@NHLdotcom) January 26, 2023
Matt Nieto, Ryan Merkley Traded To Avalanche
Nieto is moving to the Avalanche after 45 games with the San Jose Sharks this season. He sits at eight goals and 15 points so far, decent numbers for the 30-year-old winger. Nieto is a middle-six forward with good drive who can chip in some points and is a decent depth player.
This will actually be the second go-around with the Avs for Nieto. Colorado plucked him off waivers in 2017 after he had played three seasons with the Sharks. In 113 more games – if he stays with Colorado that long – he’ll catch up to his San Jose numbers.
Joining Nieto is 22-year-old defenceman Ryan Merkley. Merkley was drafted 21st overall in 2018 and was looked on as a major hit-or-miss player. The skill was clearly there, but his drive and discipline were often questioned. Merkley has played 39 NHL games, all in 2021-22 when he produced one goal and six total points.
Tumbling Down
Leaving the current Stanley Cup champions are 23-year-old winger Martin Kaut and 29-year-old Jacob MacDonald.
Kaut has played in 27 games so far this season – the most in his four-year NHL career. He’s scored once and has two assists so far while averaging less than ten minutes per night. He’s produced well at the AHL level, but Colorado is a hard team to break into lately. He’ll get a better opportunity in San Jose.
MacDonald, in the meanwhile, has extended his career through versatility. He’s played 76 total NHL games, with 33 of those coming this year. He’s primarily a defenceman who has also spent time on the wing and can play either side of the ice. MacDonald has just two assists this season but isn’t looked to for offence.
Of the four players on the move, only MacDonald is signed next season. Both Kaut and Merkley are restricted free agents come July with Nieto free.
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