Nick Merkley

Nicholas Merkley (born May 23, 1997) is a Canadian professional ice hockey player. He is currently playing with the Tucson Roadrunners of the American Hockey League (AHL) as a prospect for the Arizona Coyotes of the National Hockey League (NHL). Merkley was rated as a top prospect who was widely projected to be a first round selection in the 2015 NHL Entry Draft. In the said Draft, he was selected 30th overall by the Arizona Coyotes, the final pick of the opening round.

Playing career
Merkley was selected ninth overall by the Kelowna Rockets in the 2012 WHL Bantam Draft. Following a strong first season with the Rockets, he was selected as the 2013–14 WHL Rookie of the Year and awarded the Jim Piggott Memorial Trophy, and during the 2014–15 WHL season he was rewarded for his outstanding play when he was selected to skate in the 2015 CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game and was also named to the 2014–15 WHL (West) Second All-Star Team after scoring 20 goals and 90 points in 72 games.

On September 3, 2015, Merkley agreed to a three-year entry-level contract with the Arizona Coyotes.

He made his NHL debut on December 19, 2017, against the Florida Panthers. He played 13 minutes 30 seconds of ice time in a 3–2 loss. He was sent back down to the AHL shortly after. On January 4, 2018, Merkley was selected for the 2018 AHL All-Star Classic Game in Utica, New York.

International play
Merkley helped Team Canada capture the gold medal at the 2014 Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament.