Venture into the online domain of Boston Bruins enthusiasts, and a clear and fervent request emerges: fans are eager for the offensively driven Bruins to bring up prospect Georgii Merkulov to the major league.
The 23-year-old, measuring 5-foot-11 and weighing 176 pounds, burst onto the scene as an undrafted NCAA free agent who was signed by the Bruins in 2022. Currently, he's igniting the Providence Bruins with an impressive run, notching ten goals and eight assists in his last 12 games. As of the recent Thursday night, he's secured the fourth position in AHL scoring for the season, accumulating 30 points (14 goals, 16 assists) in 31 games.
Looking back on his debut season, the Russian forward displayed an exceptional performance, netting 24 goals and 31 assists in 67 games. This came after a successful tenure with the Ohio State Buckeyes, where he recorded 20 goals and 14 assists in 36 games.
While the Bruins maintain an average of 3.09 goals per game this season, they've only exceeded three goals in 12 instances, including the recent 4-1 win against the Sabres. Head coach Jim Montgomery acknowledged Merkulov's recent outstanding shape, highlighting his progress in defensive play and his overall comprehensive game.
