By: Kenny Kaminsky | Follow me on Twitter/X @KennyKaminsky
Georgii Merkulov, one of the top prospects for the Boston Bruins, recently completed his third full season with the organization. Unfortunately, his season ended prematurely due to a collarbone injury he sustained with just a few games remaining in the regular season. Although there were rumors about him possibly returning for the playoffs, he ultimately did not make it back. Merkulov and Bruins General Manager Don Sweeney will need to make crucial decisions regarding Georgii’s future with the team.
In 2022, Georgii Merkulov signed a contract with the Bruins and immediately entered the American Hockey League. In his first full season in the AHL, Merkulov tallied 24-31-55 in 67 games to lead the team in points. In his second season with the team, 2023-24, Georgii registered 30-35-65 in 67 games while earning a spot on the AHL Atlantic Division All-Star Team. That season, he once again led the team in points. This season, the Youngstown Phantoms product scored 15-39-54 in 59 games. Once again, leading the team in points for the third straight season. See a pattern? Georgii Merkulov has been the best player for three consecutive years.
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Despite his impressive performance in the AHL, Merkulov has only played 10 games in the National Hockey League, with those games coming in three separate stints. Fans are increasingly frustrated that they can’t see Georgii compete at the next level. However, the Bruins have made the right choice with the shorter stints. Unfortunately for the Ohio State alum, the timing has been challenging. These brief stints of three to four games at a time have helped assess his progress and allow him to return to Providence to focus on specific areas of his game.
Now, Georgii deserves an extended opportunity with the team. It is essential to give a prospect time to transition from the AHL to the NHL. A great example of this is Fabian Lysell this season. With each game, Fabian improved as he became more comfortable playing with bigger and faster players. In the final four games, Lysell scored three points and showed significant progress in all areas of his game. The NHL is like no other league in the world, so the Bruins should provide the same timeframe for Merkulov to adjust as well.
A common concern for fans regarding Russian players stuck in the AHL is the possibility of them returning to their home country to play in the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL). This has recently been a significant worry for Boston Bruins fans, particularly with Georgii Merkulov’s contract expiring. However, fans can now feel reassured. According to Dominic Tiano, Merkulov is eager to remain in North America and aims to secure a spot on an NHL roster.
Currently, there are no plans for him to join the KHL. This news is particularly reassuring in light of reports from a Russian news outlet suggesting that a KHL team had contacted Merkulov’s representatives earlier in the season. Now it’s up to Don Sweeney and his staff to work out a deal with Merkulov’s camp.
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