Ben Shelley: Analyzing the Ryan Merkley trade

I would agree that the return was underwhelming, given that Nieto is a legit NHL player who should have warranted a higher draft pick rather than a draft bust and an AHL player.
This is troubling because the return for Burns was also underwhelming given the fact that salary was retained, which in conjunction with the Jones buyout will hamper the ability to have a Top 6 forward for the next 2 years. If the rumored return for Meier is true (Alexander Holtz, another draft bust who is far worse playing D than Kevin LeBanc and has been a scratch for most of the year and now down in the AHL) then it's going to be years before the team can reach the playoffs.

The Avs fleeced the unqualified Mike Grier and the Sharks in this trade.

I have a feeling Rangers get Meier for Cuylle, Zac Jones and one first at least. Which isn’t a terrible package.