Having spent two successful seasons with the Youngstown Phantoms of the USHL, Georgii Merkulov went on to have an outstanding freshman year at Ohio State University before leaving after just one season. The Bruins closely followed the undrafted prospect from Ryazan, Russia during his time playing alongside Mason Lohrei, with head collegiate scout Brett Harkins leading the team’s evaluation of Merkulov.
On April 9, 2022, the Bruins signed Merkulov to a three-year entry level contract beginning with the 2022-2023 season. He signed an Amateur Try Out Agreement to finish the year out with Providence at that time. He immediately became a top-5 prospect for the Bruins.
During his rookie season with Providence, Merkulov led the team in goals (24), assists (31), points (55), powerplay goals (11), and shooting percentage (19%). He tied for the most game-winning goals (4), finished second in points per game (.82) and powerplay assists (19).
Among last season’s league rookies, Merkulov ranked second in total points, second in power-play goals, second in power-play assists, fifth in points per game, sixth in goals scored, and eighth in assists.
Fast forward to this season and Merkulov set career highs in goals (30), assists (35), points (65) and points-per-game (.97), all of which are team highs. He also led the team in powerplay goals (9), tied for most game winning goals (4), second in powerplay assists (12) and fourth in shooting percentage (18.1).
Merkulov got a brief NHL call-up for 4 games, filling in for Matthew Poitras. Fans were frustrated with his limited ice time, linemates, and role, which is their right. However, it’s important to remember this was a fill-in spot, not an opportunity in a top-6 role. First call-ups are often challenging as players adjust to the speed and physicality of the NHL. With experience, Merkulov will better handle the rigors of the league.
The Bruins have a clear philosophy of allowing their prospects to develop fully in the AHL before bringing them up to the NHL as a regular, regardless of outside opinions on the matter. This patient approach, as demonstrated with Lohrei, John Beecher, and Fabian Lysell, aims to benefit both the players and the team in the long run.
Merkulov’s hard work and coaching are paying off this season. As a rookie, he often shot from the perimeter. Now he makes a concerted effort to drive the middle of the ice, scoring most of his even-strength goals from the net to the hashmarks between the circles. As a player with an average build, he’s had to learn how to do that at the AHL level. It doesn’t get any easier at the NHL level.
Merkulov demonstrates exceptional skill at maneuvering around defenders to find openings. With stealth and smarts, he slips behind or through opponents as if he wasn’t even there, shielding the puck with his body. When challenged, his quick hands swiftly evade and he riffles a snap shot. At even strength, he largely capitalizes on rebounds or by leveraging his techniques to burst through soft ice near the net for goals.
The defensive progress Merkulov has made is evident. The Bruins seem to be grooming him to be a center, which demands strong defensive play. His defensive reads, anticipation, positioning, and reaction time have improved from a season ago, but for NHL center duties he needs to continue to develop. Improving on faceoffs is also a must and I believe it will with added strength and experience.
He ranks among the top three or four prospects for the Bruins. At the NHL level, he will likely be a middle-six forward but can provide steady secondary scoring. His booming one-timer will also earn him a spot on the second power-play unit.
The Bruins and their fans should be pleased with Merkulov’s development so far, but for him to advance, he must keep refining his faceoff skills and defensive awareness.
Follow me on X @dominictiano.
Dom - Hockey 