By: Kenny Kaminsky | Follow me on Twitter/X @KennyKaminsky
After the 2021-22 NCAA season, Boston Bruins General Manager Don Sweeney signed freshman Georgii Merkulov from Ohio State University. This was an excellent signing, as Merkulov significantly impacted college hockey, scoring 20 goals and 34 points in 36 games. Such production is impressive for a freshman in college hockey. A native of Ryazan, Russia, he demonstrated an ability to score regularly while also setting up his teammates for success. This showing would earn Georgii both Big Ten First Team Rookie and Big Ten First Team All-Star Honors. Although his potential is very high, he still had areas to develop.
Georgii concluded the 2021-22 season with the Providence Bruins, where he recorded one goal and four assists in just eight games. During the 2022-23 season, the 5-foot-11 forward continued to impress, scoring 24 goals and serving up 31 helpers in 67 games. In that same season, Merkulov earned a spot on the American Hockey League All-Rookie Team and led the Providence Bruins in scoring.
In the 2023-24 season, the Youngstown Phantoms product achieved another impressive season, registering 30-35-65 numbers in 67 games. He again led the team in scoring and was selected for the AHL All-Star Game. Despite his outstanding performance, he was only given four games with the Boston Bruins that season in a limited role, during which he did not record any points.
Merkulov showcased his talent in the AHL again this season, producing 13-31-44 in 47 games. Throughout this period, the 24-year-old demonstrated versatility by playing both center and winger, excelling defensively, and contributing significantly during top power play minutes. Unfortunately, he was only called up for three games with the NHL team this season. During those games, he performed well and even recorded an assist in his season debut.
Georgii has recently been recalled to the team, and reports indicate that this opportunity is intended to showcase his talents to other teams. In his first game against the Pittsburgh Penguins, Merkulov excelled, blocking a team-high four shots while contributing offensively and creating numerous scoring chances with his passing.
During his first shift, he effectively disrupted an odd-man rush with impressive backchecking, demonstrating that he belonged at this level. I have been saying for a while now that Merkulov deserves to be in the NHL, especially considering his contract situation, which will make him a restricted free agent. Given this circumstance, he may be considering a return to his home country to play in the Kontinental Hockey League.
Should the Bruins trade Georgii Merkulov? They should if there is no intention to keep him in the NHL for the rest of the season. The whole situation has been disappointing, to be honest, and could have negative implications for future talent coming from the college level. I often ask, “What more do you need to see from Merkulov?” Most people struggle to provide an answer. You would think that a player who consistently produces over 55 points could secure a role on the NHL roster, yet he hasn’t been given a fair opportunity. I’m interested in seeing what the team decides to do from here.
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