Kelowna Rockets’ Nick Merkley will take part in his first National Hockey League training camp next week with a contract in hand.
Merkley, the 30th overall pick in this year’s NHL entry draft, signed a three-year entry-level deal on Thursday.
"It's something you dream about as a kid and it happened, so I'm really excited," Merkley said after signing his contract in Kelowna.
"It will be good to see all the guys again and get back at it," said Merkley, who met the Coyotes’ other draft picks and prospects at the prospect development camp in July. "Obviously, I'm going to do whatever it takes to put my best foot forward and show the coaches and scouting staff what I have and try to make the team. It might not happen this year, but if I give it my all I'll set myself up well."
Coyotes general manager Don Maloney said he was thrilled when the team selected Merkley with the final pick of the first round. After the draft, he described getting Merkley, who ranked sixth in the Western Hockey League in scoring and third in assists, at No. 30 as "a gift."
"I love this kid," Maloney said at the draft. "He has it all. He's quick, he competes, he's smart, and he has talent."
The 5-foot-10, 191-pounder registered 20-70-90 with a plus-29 rating in 72 games with the Rockets in 2014-15. He led Kelowna and ranked sixth in the league in scoring and finished third in the WHL in assists.
Huge congratulations to my old liney/teammate @merkdaddy4 on signing his first NHL contract! You owe me half the bonus for bodyguard fees.
— Tyrell Goulbourne (@Tgillz12) September 3, 2015 Merkley added five goals, 22 assists in 19 post-season games to help the Rockets win the Ed Chynoweth Cup as WHL champions. He also collected three goals and two assists during the Rockets’ drive to the Memorial Cup championship game.
The 18-year-old native of Calgary has totaled 45-103-148 and a plus-53 rating in 139 career games with the Rockets. He was named the 2013-14 WHL Rookie of the Year after recording 25-33-58 in 66 games.
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