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CHLhockey’s Draft Profiles: Nick Merkley

Team: Kelowna Rockets (WHL) Hometown: Calgary, Alberta Comparable to: Zach Parise Twitter: @Merkdaddy4  Best Assets: playmaking ability, ability to think the game What Needs Improvement: size and speed  Fun Fact: loves Friday Night Lights (Matt Saracen is his favourite character) and eating ice cream sandwiches before home games Quote: “Being a smaller guy means you have to play with the biggest heart out there” (x) Why Should My Team Draft Him?: Merkley is a dynamic, playmaking forward with high hockey IQ and the potential to be a top-six offensive force.  What His Teammates Say: “He works really hard. He loves the game and what he’s done this year speaks for itself. Whoever picks him is going to be really happy getting him, that’s for sure.” - Leon Draisaitl Watch:  Rockets Profile /  Scouting Combine

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CHLhockey’s Draft Profiles: Dylan Strome

Team: Erie Otters (OHL) Hometown: Mississauga, Ontario Comparable to: Joe Thornton Awards: 2014-15 OHL Most Sportsmanlike Player, 2014-15 OHL Scoring Champion Twitter/Instagram: @stromer19 / dylstrome19 Best Assets: vision, release, hockey IQ What Needs Improvement: strength, defensive play

Fun Fact: older brother Ryan plays for the New York Islanders and younger brother Matt was recently drafted by the Hamilton Bulldogs of the OHL Why You Should Want Him On Your Team: Strome is a smart player with great vision who uses his speed and creativity to outplay opponents. He has the potential to be an offensive force in the NHL as a first line centre with game-changing ability.  Not Just McDavid’s Sidekick: In the 21 games Strome played without McDavid this season, he scored 35 points, 18 goals, 17 assists, was a +7 and put up a 6-point effort in the last game of the season to clinch the scoring title. Quote: “There’s going to be times when you don’t have a good game or make a bad play, but that’s the great thing about hockey, you get to play the next day” (x)   What His Teammates Say: “He’s an unbelievable player, every time he’s on the ice, it feels like something is going to happen” - Connor McDavid

Watch: #AskAnOtter / Draft Profiles: Dylan Strome / Get To Know Your Teammates: Team Cherry / Strome & McDavid’s Zipline Adventure

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CHLhockey’s Draft Profiles: Travis Konecny

Team: Ottawa 67′s (OHL) Hometown: Clachan, Ontario Comparable to: Zach Parise NHL Central Scouting Final ranking: 14th among North American skaters Twitter: @TravisKonecny Best Assets: physical play, wrist shot, leadership What Needs Improvement: size, staying healthy  Fun Fact: His best friend is fellow prospect Lawson Crouse. The pair met at age six while trying out for the Brandford Selects. While at the tryouts Konecny asked Crouse if he had made the team, to which Crouse replied "Mind your own beeswax.” The two became instant friends. Quote: “It’s not all about the scoresheet, whether there’s 5 minutes left or 10 minutes left and you have the lead, it’s just about bearing down and playing for your teammates.” (x) Why You Should Want Him On Your Team: He’s natural born leader being named captain of the Ottawa 67′s at 17 years old, and serving as captain of Team Canada (Ivan Hilinka Gold Medal Team), and Team Ontario (World U17 Hockey Challenge). He’s a two-way player with incredible work ethic and the potential to be a top-six winger. Overcoming Adversity: Konency was ranked 26th overall on CSS’s midterm rankings after a weak start to the season. Two days after the rankings were released, he received MVP at the Top Prospects game, dominating a game that featured the best CHL players eligible for the 2015 NHL Entry Draft. He led the 67′s to a 4th place finish in their conference (they had finished last the previous two seasons) and jumped to 14th by the final rankings.  

Watch: Sportsnet Feature / Draft Combine