Arizona Coyotes Prospects Named to Canada WJC Camp

Hockey Canada named three Arizona Coyotes prospects to the World Junior Championship Camp Roster.

Arizona Coyotes prospects Brendan Perlini, Dylan Strome, and Nick Merkley were invited today by Hockey Canada to the World Junior Championship Selection Camp to take place in Etobicoke, On December 10-14, 2015.

The World Junior Hockey Championships begins December 26 in Helsinki, Finland.

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Perlini, the 12th overall pick of the 2014 NHL Entry Draft, is having a solid season for the Niagara IceDogs of the Ontario Hockey League. The 6’ 3″ left wing has been productive since the opening of the 2015 season. Perlini has tallied 22 points on 13 G and 9 A, with a -1 +/- through 23 games. The IceDogs currently sit in sixth place of the OHL Eastern Conference.

According to Hockey’s Future, Perlini’s talents are strongest in the areas of speed and puck handling. His good size is a secondary asset. He is offensively savvy, and can make the intelligent pass.

"“Perlini’s primary assets are his speed and puck skills. He has tremendous hands and displays offensive savviness, consistently finding the soft spots in the offensive zone where he can redirect shots and cash in on rebounds. Perlini’s size is his secondary asset. He uses his size and strength to absorb and work through body contact. If he learns to be assertive with his size on the forecheck, his production could explode.”"

Centerman Dylan Strome, the third overall selection of the 2015 NHL Entry Draft, was also invited. The Mississauga, ON product has been repeatedly recognized this year for his play. Recently, Strome was given Player-Of-The-Week accolades by both the Ontario Hockey League and the Canadian Hockey League.

The young center almost made the Arizona Coyotes NHL roster out of training camp. Ultimately, it was decided that Strome’s long-term growth and potential would be better served by another year in juniors. The Erie Otters are glad to have him back. Strome has been on a two-point-a-game pace in 2015. The Coyotes future franchise player has 12 G and 29 A through 19 games.

Elite Prospects scouting review of Strome is glowing. It predicts great things for him and the Arizona Coyotes:

“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.”

The Kelowna Rockets Nick Merkley, was the 30th overall selection in this past June’s NHL Entry Draft. Merkley was the second of the Coyotes two first round draft picks. The product of Calgary, AB is a right-handed C/RW prospect.

Merkley is currently on a point-a-game pace for the Rockets of the WHL.  Through 17 games the youngster has 7 Goals and 11 Asssits with a -3 +/- rating.

Merkley is another multi-talented player with smarts, skill and good work ethic.  Elite Prospects said of his skill set:

"“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. Does not possess the largest frame or a dynamic level of skating; however, he does boast a remarkably high level of Hockey-IQ and a deep understanding of the game. There is something left to be desired having observed his individual skills, such as puckhandling, footspeed, and decision-making, for a prolonged period of time; there is definitely room for improvement in the small areas of his game. All-in-all, Merkley brings a medley of skill, smarts, and work ethic to the table, making him an invaluable asset as a Center.”"

Like his fellow draft classmate, Merkley has been recognized for good play by the Western Hockey League as its own Player-Of-The-Week for the period ending November 8, 2015.

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The Coyotes, and General Manager Don Maloney, have done a masterful job replenishing the prospect system. The success of Max Domi, Anthony DuClair, Jordan Martinook, and Tobias Rieder validates the long-term plan. The future that lies in Perlini, Strome, and Merkley simply adds to that mix.