The Boston Bruins have multiple promising prospects in their system, including James Hagens, Matt Poitras, Fraser Minten, and Fabian Lysell. While this is the case, they also have another prospect who fans should be keeping an eye on this upcoming season - Georgii Merkulov.

Merkulov is undoubtedly facing a big year with the Bruins, as the clock is ticking on him becoming an NHL regular on their roster. While he will have plenty of competition to get more chances on the NHL roster in 2025-26, the possibility of him doing so should not be ruled out. The 24-year-old forward has shown promise at the AHL level with the Providence Bruins, so he still could very well break out. 

The 2024-25 season was another solid year at the AHL level for Merkulov, as he recorded 15 goals and 54 points in 59 games. This was after the skilled forward recorded 30 goals and 65 points in 67 games with Providence in 2023-24. Overall, he has shown that he is capable of providing good offense at the AHL level, and now he will be looking to do just that for Boston in 2025-26.

If Merkulov can take that next step and cement himself as a legitimate NHL player next season, it would be great news for a Bruins club that needs more young and skilled forwards. For him to have the chance to do so, he will first need to impress at training camp. It will be interesting to see if he can do just that from here. 

Bruins Breakout Forward Thrilled To Be Staying Put While the 2024-25 season was a complete disaster for the <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/boston-bruins">Boston Bruins</a>, Morgan Geekie undoubtedly was a bright spot for them. In 77 games with the Bruins on the year, the 27-year-old forward set new career highs with 33 goals, 24 assists, and 57 points. This included finishing the season on an 11-game point streak, where he posted nine goals and 19 points over that span. He also memorably had a five-point game against the <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/carolina-hurricanes">Carolina Hurricanes</a> on April 5.