Kny is on IR otherwise he's in the lineup

I’d honestly much rather see Merkley over Simek, just to start the season, so you’d go…
Ferraro - Burns
Hatakka - Karlsson
Vlasic - Merkley

Merkley simply isn't ready. Hattaka will get in before Merkley.

Do you really think Vlasic would have a greater impact on this team than Merkley? Vlasic has been garbage for years now and who knows what Merkley can be. Might as well put him in and find out.

Not sure why everyone on this website depicts Vlasic like he's an absolute bum. He isn't. Merkley is getting close but he's not unseating Vlasic

He has played very uninspired hockey since signing his fat deal. He’s had a bunch of excuses as to why that is but he’s running out of them. I’d love for him to bounce back and play well, but at this point might as well play a guy who can bring some offense from the blue line because the defense will be about the same either way.

Merkley is not what is needed. We already have Burns and Karlsson with the endless turnovers. Merkley is not a good idea and will likely need another year of development as he did not take a step last year at all. Vlasic is still young enough to turn his game around. I'm taking Pickles over Merk all day.

He’s 34, come on.

I get people have already made up their mind that Merkley will never be good enough, however he wasn’t picked to be a defensive defenseman, it was always known that he was an offensive guy. What’s the point of keeping him rostered if he will never get to see an NHL game?

Don't put words in my mouth. I never said Merkley will never be good enough, I literally said he could use another year of development. Chill out guy.