For Coyotes prospect Nick Merkley, his development path has been a steep climb up a hill of challenges. But now, the 20-year-old forward feels he might finally be approaching the summit.
Along with a pack of young talent, the 2015 first-round pick is thriving with the Coyotes’ AHL affiliate in Tucson — where he leads active Roadrunners players with 11 goals and 21 points in just 17 games.
In his first season playing professionally, Merkley — whose lofty 1.24 points per game average ranks third-highest in the AHL among players with at least 12 games played — has thoroughly enjoyed the experience in Tucson.