We’ve previously looked at players entering the final year of their contract. And while the Coyotes have a few key NHL players set to be restricted free agents, there are also plenty of AHL players who are also set to become restricted free agents. In many ways these players may be under more pressure—a bad final season of an entry level contract in the AHL could hamper their chances of making it to the NHL. It is extremely likely that one or more of these players will not be re-signed after this season.
NHL Experience: 1 game, 0-0-0
AHL Experience: 83 games, 28-45-73
Merkley is an interesting player who has been hit hard by the injury bug.