• Merkley ranked third among OHL defensemen with 13-54—67 in 2017-18 (63 GP) behind only London’s Evan Bouchard (No. 4-ranked N.A. Skater) and Mississauga’s Nicolas Hague (34th overall by VGK in 2017 NHL Draft). His 54 assists led all Guelph Storm players.

• In his OHL rookie season of 2016-17, Merkley won the Emms Family Award as OHL Rookie of the Year and was named to the OHL First All-Rookie Team after leading all first-year skaters in assists and points (12-43—55 in 62 GP).

• Internationally, Merkley was a member of Canada’s gold medal-winning team at the 2017 Ivan Hlinka Memorial (0-6—6 in 5 GP) and represented his country at the 2018 Under-18 World Championship (0-3—3 in 5 GP).

• Merkley was named Greater Toronto Hockey League Player of the Year in 2015-16 after recording 7-37—44 in 33 games as captain of the Toronto Jr. Canadiens Minor Midget AAA team.

• Models his style of play after Penguins defenseman Kris Letang and Senators blueliner Erik Karlsson.