Arizona Coyotes: Strome, Merkley First Round Draft Choices

Arizona Coyotes Get Their Big Center, Add Winger With #30

As I attended the Draft Party at Gila River arena yesterday, there was a festive atmosphere everywhere. Fans (yes we have plenty of them here in the desert) were enjoying the activities, especially the kids playing ball hockey on the floor of the arena. It was estimated that 4,000 fans showed up on a Friday afternoon in the 114 degree heat to attend the event.

Fans were dressed in their home town hockey apparel, including this fan.

Photo by Bill Grigsby, Editor of howlinhockey.com

In the center of the usual ice surface was a large curtained area where the new jerseys were to be unveiled. I think most fans liked the new design, it looks modern and crisp.

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The most dramatic moment came when the NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman had announced he had a trade to report, right BEFORE the Coyotes were to select their pick at number three. It was the O’Rielly trade to Buffalo, and fans sighed at the thought that the third pick was not traded.

When Don Maloney stepped up to the podium, it was fairly obvious that Dylan Strome would be selected. After all the drama, and rumors of Maloney trading the pick, in the end he kept it. I was really hoping if they did trade the pick they could have acquired Dougie Hamilton from Boston. I am disappointed that the Flames got him, and that the Kings got better as well by trading for Lucic. Boston seems to have thrown all their tea in the river, and exploded their nucleus.

Here’s the comments on the Strome selection:

With the #30 first round the Arizona Coyotes selected Nick Merkel from the Kelowna Rockets of the WHL. Merkley, a right winger scored 90 points (20g-70a) in 70 games this past season. The Coyotes got a good value at #30, since this young prospect was ranked at #15 by Hockey News, and #23 on Central Scouting’s final listing. He comes in at 5′ 10″, 191 lbs, just turned 18 last month. He is a great playmaker, and loves to set up his line mates.

On a busy draft day, things have not slowed down. What worries me is, as usual the Western Conference just got better. L.A. Kings landed Lucic. Edmonton not only drafted the next coming of Gretzky, or Crosby in McDavid, but also acquired goalie Cam Talbot of the Rangers for a 2nd round pick (No. 57), a third round pick (No. 79), and a seventh round pick (No. 184).

Calagary acquired Dougie Hamilton, and the Stars just got Antti Niemi for a seventh round draft pick. It seems that teams who want to unload contracts are doing it no matter what they get in return. Let’s hope GM Don Maloney gets his shopping cart wheels oiled up, and goes after some talent the team needs NEXT SEASON.

Next: Arizona Coyote Rountable: Overall Third Pick

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