Arizona Coyotes sign Dakota Mermis

Amid all the craziness and absurdity that is NHL Free Agency, The Arizona Coyotes managed to pull off a deal that is a win-win for both parties involved and that wasn’t grossly expensive. The Arizona Coyotes signed undrafted defenseman Dakota Mermis to an entry level contract according to Fox Sports’ Andy Strickland.

Dakota Mermis agrees to an entry level contract with the Arizona #Coyotes #oshawa
— Andy Strickland (@andystrickland) July 1, 2015

The 21-year-old is just coming off an OHL Championship and Memorial Cup run with the Oshawa Generals. He was previously on the London Knights before being traded during the deadline in order to bulk up the Gens roster for a successful Memorial Cup ride.

Dakota Mermis is a puck-moving, two-way defender. He has a strong hockey IQ as Tyler Parchem of Elite Prospects describes him as “small and mobile. Mermis possesses puck moving ability and is not afraid to mix it up.”

Although the Illinois native may not pan out for the Coyotes, it is nice to see someone take a chance on a winner in the minor leagues. Mermis has a USHL Clark Cup Championship, USHL/NHL Top Prospects Game invite and 2 OHL Championships to go along with his most recent Memorial Cup Championship.

The deal works out for both ends as well, due to the fact that the Coyotes have the most money to spend out of any team in the NHL.

Mermis will be joining the Coyotes’ AHL club, the Springfield Falcons, next season.