The San Jose Sharks have made Ryan Merkley available after the defenseman requested a trade, sources told Daily Faceoff's Frank Seravalli.

Merkley skated in 39 games with the Sharks last season, registering a goal and five assists. However, he's spent the entire 2022-23 campaign with the AHL's San Jose Barracuda, recording 14 helpers in 30 contests.

It was assumed Merkley would take on a greater role this season after the departure of fellow right-handed defenseman Brent Burns. Yet even though Erik Karlsson and Matt Benning are the only right-shooting blue-liners on the roster, Merkley hasn't been given a shot.

The Sharks selected Merkley 21st overall at the 2018 NHL Draft. He enjoyed a prolific junior career with the Guelph Storm, Peterborough Petes, and London Knights.

However, current Sharks general manager Mike Grier, who was hired in July, didn't draft Merkley and has no ties to the 22-year-old.

Copyright © 2023 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.