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Arizona Coyotes 2015 Draft Gems To Watch

ByAdam Pierce|

The Arizona Coyotes have put themselves in a position to make a run for the Stanley Cup with this year’s draft class.

Even though the Arizona Coyotes missed out on both Connor McDavid and Jack Eichel, they had a successful 2015 NHL Draft overall. The Coyotes led things off last Friday with the third overall pick and a decision to be made. With Noah Hanifin, Dylan Strome, and Mitch Marner; Arizona had a wide open draft board at their disposal.

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The Coyotes had a flurry of selections that they used wisely this weekend.  They came out with the 3rd, 30th, 32nd, 63rd, 76th, 81st, 83rd, 123rd, and 183rd overall picks in the 2015 NHL Entry Draft. After a much anticipated uniform reveal, the Coyotes were ready to get back to work at the draft.

There were three newly drafted Arizona Coyotes players who stood out above the rest. These players are not projected to play in the coming year, but will eventually be a force to be reckoned with in the future. These stars all have speed, an ability to light up the score card offensively, and a strong awareness of their surroundings on the ice.

Howlin’ Hockey presents the three gems of the 2015 NHL Draft.

The Third Gem Of The Draft: Conor Garland

Conor Garland had an electrifying year in the QMJHL with the Moncton Wildcats, and does not show any signs of slowing down. Garland was taken 123rd overall in the fifth round by the Arizona Coyotes, in what could be one of hidden gems of the 2015 NHL Draft. Garland is 5′ 8″ right wing who does not let his size limit his ability to score.

Moncton Wildcats coach Darren Rumble had this to say:

"Conor is one of the most exciting players I have ever seen. His dedication to being a complete 200-foot player has been a huge part of his success. His commitment to conditioning has led to a great consistency. The sky is the limit for Conor’s future in hockey."

Garland was the QMJHL’s leading scorer with 129 total points (35 goals and 94 assists). Those numbers occurred over a 67 game span as well. Garland has the speed and agility that makes him difficult to contain. He is able to weave the puck down the ice to set up his teammates in a position to score. At age 19, he still has room to grow before he hits the NHL ice.

The Second Gem Of The Draft: Nick Merkley

With the 30th overall pick in round one of the 2015 NHL Draft, the Arizona Coyotes selected Nick Merkley of the Kewlona Rockets. The Arizona Coyotes picked up a player that was projected 17th overall by TSN at 30th overall for a steal of a pick. Merkley, just like Garland, is a prolific scorer. His 90 points (20 goals and 70 assists) through 72 games played places him sixth in the WHL in terms of scoring.

Curtis Joe of EliteProspects describes Merkley as: 

"A playmaking center that has an excellent eye for the game; sees the ice like a hawk from above. Creates scoring chances and on-ice energy through taking advantage of puck-possession and making the most of turnovers. Incredible work ethic; will battle against larger players and isn’t afraid to do the dirty work in front of the net. All-in-all, Merkley brings a medley of skill, smarts, and work ethic to the table, making him an invaluable asset as a Center."

Merkley still continues to improve after each game. He is still in the developmental stages of his career, and will have time to get better with the Rockets next year. After a few more years in the WHL, Nick Merkley may be able to crack a spot on the Coyotes roster if he performs well at rookie camp. He is definitely a player to watch as he develops.

The First Gem Of The Draft: Dylan Strome

Dylan Strome is the first gem of the Arizona Coyotes 2015 draft selections. Strome is the key to Arizona’s franchise rebuild, and will be looked upon for the future success of this franchise. The Coyotes have the leading scorer of the QMJHL in Garland, and now the leading scorer of the OHL, with Strome. Strome tallied 129 points (45 goals and 84 assists) as the alternate captain of the Erie Otters.

Strome is a playmaker who is quick on his feet, and precise with his hands. He will probably not play in a sedona red sweater next season, as he will still develop with the Erie Otters in the OHL. Strome has a high hockey I.Q., and a drive to win that sets him apart from the rest. A few critics claim that a majority of his points came from his linemate Connor McDavid. However, the “McDavid Effect” can be debunked as Strome scored 35 points in 21 games without the first overall pick by his side.

Curtis Joe of EliteProspects praises Strome as:

"A competitive offensive dynamo in nature, Dylan Strome possesses the technical skills and the intangible traits that differentiate leaders from followers. He makes his own luck; no number that shows up beside his name on the score sheet is handed to him on a silver platter. He consistently showcases the size and speed to attack and break through the opposition defense, and always knows where his linemates are in relativity to his position. Possesses a hard, accurate release on his shot, which he is never afraid to use. All-in-all, Dylan Strome is a player who wants to win more than anybody else, a person who takes it upon himself to do everything he can to help his team win, and a leader who provides his team with the motivation and will that it takes to win."

Dylan Strome has already been compared to Anaheim Ducks captain Ryan Getzlaf and San Jose Sharks center Joe Thornton due to his size and skating ability. He possesses a hard, accurate wrist shot —  and a key drive to score, which is what the Coyotes desperately need. Time will only tell if Strome is the next face of the Arizona Coyotes.

All we know is that the future is bright for the Arizona Coyotes.

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