Merkulov's offensive production in Providence has been bolstered by a deeper defensive focus.
BRIGHTON, Mass. – Georgii Merkulov learned to buy in with the Providence Bruins last season, and it’s made all the difference.
The 22-year-old Russian winger, who signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the Boston Bruins in April 2022 as an undrafted free agent, has grown into the role Providence (AHL) needs him to play.
It's one that could earn him keep in the NHL.
Merkulov’s offensive talent was evident when he made the jump from the NCAA with Ohio State University after the 2021-22 season, but it’s his work on the defensive end that has rounded the forward out into a more valuable asset ahead of training camp on Sept. 20.
Ryan Mougenel, the head coach of Providence, noted the shift in Merkulov’s game in the youngster’s first full AHL season.
“His attributes, obviously, that separates him a little bit is his offensive mind. He’s a pretty clean player,” Mougenel said after the first day of Bruins Rookie Camp on Wednesday at Warrior Ice Arena.
“He sees the ice extremely well. Can make plays on his forehand and backhand and really has an ability to complete a lot of plays.”
Merkulov took on a bigger role for Providence when winger Vinni Lettieri was placed on injured reserve in early February and missed over 20 games. Mougenel said that’s when things really began to click for Merkulov, not just in his production, but his mindset as well.
“Merkulov really stepped up and really was our offensive guy,” Mougenel said.
“I think his ability to buy in was something that we were questioning at first. I think everybody had those questions. They obviously see the skill and the ability, but is he willing to do it? And I think for us, we were extremely pleased with his willingness.”
After going through a slump of one goal in 23 games towards the beginning of the season in Providence, Merkulov seemingly put all the pieces together –– consistency being one of them –– and ended the year with a team-leading 55 points (24 goals, 31 assists) in 67 games.
“That’s one thing I think we saw in Providence was guys put their toes in early on and then they really dove in by the end of the year. We had a lot of huge growth,” Mougenel said.
While Merkulov’s natural scoring ability was a given, Mougenel said convincing the sharpshooter to invest in his defensive game, with the purpose of creating a rush the other way, revealed another level to his play.
“We want to be in and out of our D-zone. We want your energy for offense,” Mougenel said of his message to Merkulov.
“And there’s a certain way of selling it and there’s a certain way to buy-in and he bought in, and his offense was really attributed to how well he defended.”
A strong two-way game is something Mougenel said he preaches to his roster, and that versatility could no doubt aid a Bruins team that’s working to fill some significant holes after an offseason of losses.
General manager Don Sweeney’s summer acquisitions will make for top-tier internal competition during training camp –– and slim chances for Providence guys to crack the NHL lineup –– but Merkulov is one step closer to getting a legitimate look.
