On Tuesday afternoon, it was revealed that Providence Bruins' rookies, forward Georgii Merkulov and goaltender Brandon Bussi, received this distinction.
Bussi, 24, concluded the season with a 21-5-4 record, a 2.38 GAA, and the league's second-best SV% at .925. He also represented Providence during the 2023 AHL All-Star Weekend.
Merkulov, 22, ranked second in rookie points with 53. He led the team in goals (23) and was second place in assists (30). Hailing from Ryazan, Russia, Merkulov also topped the Bruins' with 11 power play goals and was tied for the lead with five game-winning goals.
