Georgii Merkulov

April 2023 – Merkulov was a stellar free agent signing out of Ohio State in his first professional season, leading Providence with 24 goals and 31 assists in 67 games. He was named to the AHL all-rookie team, playing a big part in Providence’s first overall ranking in the Atlantic Division. After a tough few years of drafting for the Bruins front office, being placed among one of the worst prospect pools in the NHL, the Bruins must make savvy acquisitions to improve their depth. Merkulov is a start to rebuilding the prospect pool, as he promises to be a big offensive piece in the retooling of the NHL team as their long-time core starts to leave the team in the next few seasons. If Merkulov can continue to put up points when he jumps to the big club, he would be a good fantasy option if he gets playing time with the remaining offensive talent in the Bruin’s top lines. Nate Duffett

May 2022 – Merkulov is an undrafted, slightly undersized Russian who excelled in his first and only NCAA season in 2021-22. He led the Ohio State Buckeyes in points with 20 goals and 34 points in 36 games. The Bruins signed him after his NCAA season, and he promptly scored five points in eight AHL games, suggesting he can translate his game to the professional level. Merkulov is a good skating center who sees the ice well and can create with his passing. He is willing to try high danger passes and can finish when given the opportunity. He isn’t weak defensively, but I doubt he can earn a checking role in the NHL, limiting his opportunity at the next level. He is also prone to getting outmuscled, which could further limit his effectiveness. If he can click with the right linemates and carve out an offensive role, 50 points is not unreasonable, but that is probably his upside. Victor Nuño