NHL draft tracker: Nick Merkley, Kelowna Rockets

Nick Merkley knows how to exceed expectations. The Kelowna Rockets forward not only won the WHL’s Rookie of the Year award last year, but he also matched Edmonton Oilers top pick Leon Draisaitl’s rookie season stats total with 25 goals and 58 points in 66 games. He has done it again so far this year by possessing the best points-per-game ratio in the league with four goals and 24 points in 13 contests.

“My linemates have really helped me out this year,” says Merkley. “(Rourke) Chartier has done well down the middle and (Tyrell) Goulbourne opens up space for me. I also feel, being in my second year, that I’m a lot more confident. I’m more comfortable out there this year.”

The 5-foot-10, 187-pound Merkley came into this season with a better perspective on what it takes to make it to the pros. He skated alongside Edmonton Oilers star Jordan Eberle and Washington Capitals blueliner Mike Green in the off-season.

“It was nice to get to play with those guys,” says the 17-year-old. “You really see how good they are when you’re on the ice with them and it motivates you to keep on working to get to that level. I never talked to them much, but I took a lot out of that just by seeing them play.”

On the powerhouse Rockets, Merkley is fortunate to not have to look too far for motivation to push himself as his teammates motivate him to elevate his game on a daily basis.

“We’re a very competitive team and we all push each other,” he says. “Everyone wants to be the best player and we all work very hard to try to be that. We work hard in practice and in the gym and it pays off in games. I definitely think it benefits me to be surrounded by a lot of good players in this league."

Outside of Kelowna’s locker room, the Calgary, Alta., native has fun rivalries with his brother, Swift Current Broncos forward Jay Merkley, and his close friend, Seattle Thunderbirds star Matthew Barzal, that push him to excel on the ice.

“The rivalry with my brother was pretty fun there at the start of the year,” says Merkley. “He had a big weekend to start off the year with a lot of points, but he has mono now so he’s dropped off a bit. And Matt and I are close friends and like to chirp each other a bit and push each other. When we played Seattle earlier we both chirped each other and we both had pretty big games. It’s a fun competition that motivates us both to do well.”

The bottom line on Merkley is that he’s ultimately the “Robby Fabbri” of the 2015 draft class. He’s practically a lock to go in the first round and possesses top-10 skill, but his smaller frame will hinder him on draft lists even though he plays a fearless game. He projects to be a solid top-6 forward that can play a vital role in every situation on the ice as he's a relentless forechecker that plays with a lot of energy.

1. Do you have a favourite NHL team?

“I like the Chicago Blackhawks. They are fun to watch, especially with guys like (Patrick) Sharp, (Patrick) Kane and (Jonathan) Toews. I also like watching (Duncan) Keith and (Brent) Seabrook.”

2. Do you have a favourite NHL player?

“I like Sharp the best. He’s a great forward that is dangerous out there and is fun to watch.”

3. What’s your favourite road arena to play in?

“I like Seattle’s arena (ShoWare Center). They have good fans and it’s fun to play against Barzal. I also like it on Tuesdays when they have that $2 for anything sale and the fans chant “Rockets suck” pretty loud. It gets us fired up for the game.”

4. If you weren’t playing hockey, what other sport would your pursue?

“It would definitely be a team sport – probably lacrosse. It’s a competitive and physical sport, so I think I’d play lacrosse.”

5. What’s your favourite TV show or movie?

“I like Dexter a lot. I got into it before and am now addicted to it.”

Kelly Friesen is a Buzzing the Net columnist for Yahoo! Sports. Follow him on Twitter @KellyFriesen