Merkley inks with Coyotes

Photo: Wayne Moore - Castanet File Photo

Kelowna Rockets forward Nick Merkley has signed his first NHL contract.

Merkley, selected in the first round (30th overall) of the NHL draft earlier this summer by the Phoenix Coyotes, signed a standard three-year entry level deal.

Terms of the deal were not disclosed by the club.

Merkley, 5'10", 191 pounds, scored 20 goals and added 70 assists in 72 games with the Rockets last season. He finished third in the league in assists and sixth in overall scoring in his second full season with the club.

He added another eight goals and 32 points in 24 playoff and Memorial Cup games.

The 2014 rookie of the year will attend the Coyotes rookie camp, which begins next Friday in Glendale, Ariz.

Merkley must be returned to the Rockets if he fails to crack the Coyotes NHL roster.

Making the Coyotes is something Merkley told the team's website he will do everything in his power to do.

"Obviously, I'm going to do whatever it takes to put my best foot forward and show the coaches and scouting staff what I have and try to make the team. It might not happen this year, but if I give it my all, I'll set myself up good," said Merkley.

Coyotes GM Don Maloney was thrilled to get Merkley's name on a contract. He called getting Merkley at the end of the first round of the draft "a gift."

"I love this kid," Maloney said at the draft. "He has it all. He's quick, he competes, he's smart, and he has talent."