Bruins’ Center Prospect Flourishing In AHL

The Boston Bruins prepared for life after Patrice Bergeron and David Krejci by signing center Pavel Zacha to a four-year extension. Since the January 14 deal with the Czech native, Zacha has proved his worth by scoring eight goals and tallying five assists in the 13 games since the $19 million deal was inked. Beyond the versatile 25-year-old forward, the Bruins are searching for answers when it comes to top-six centers. There might be one at the American Hockey League level that could see some NHL action as early as next season.

Providence Bruins center Georgii Merkulov is making serious strides at the minor league level and is one of the hottest players in the league right now. The former Ohio State Buckeye has registered 16 goals and 23 assists in 46 games with Providence with a plus-8 rating. Merkulov joined the Baby Bruins after his freshman season at Ohio State in 2021-22 and played eight games with one goal and four assists. This season, the 22-year-old has excelled as the top-line center with linemates Fabian Lysell and Vinny Lettieri. Justin Brazeau has also been on Merkulov’s line at times.

Recently, Merkulov has been at his best. In his last ten games, the Ryazan, Russia native, has eight goals and five assists on 14 shots with a plus-5 rating. On Saturday, Merkulov had his six-game goal-scoring streak snapped but found the back of the net on Sunday in a 3-2 loss to Springfield. Linemate Lysell is widely regarded as the Bruins’ top prospect, but Merkulov is certainly climbing the ranks and getting valuable time with Lysell. The two are projected to be a solid pairing in the NHL soon.

An area of improvement for Merkulov is better defensive play in his own end. The 5-foot-10, 170-pound forward has steadily improved his 200-foot game and will need to continue that trend as he enters the National Hockey League. Merkulov played for the Youngstown Phantoms of the United States Hockey League before arriving at Ohio State and totaled 73 points in 74 games but had a less-than-stellar minus-23 rating.

The streaking Providence Bruins are first in the Atlantic Division at 30-10-8-2 with 70 points, one point ahead of second-place Hershey. The Bruins are 7-2-1 in their last ten games, and it is no coincidence that Merkulov’s hot streak runs parallel to it. As the continues, keep an eye on Georgii Merkulov, and Bruins’ fans can look forward to seeing the young center participate in this summer’s Rookie Development Camp. The Boston Bruins will need a young pivot to develop very soon, and Merkulov might be the top candidate.

Season 4. Episode 14. West Coast Road Trip. – Bruins Benders Podcast

Join the Bruins Benders Podcast as they cover the HOTTEST topics in the Boston Bruins market, along with…- Elliotte Friedman's Trent Frederic Comments- Would You Invest In This Team?- Bruins Claim Oliver Wahlstrom- Decision Time For Marc McLaughlin?& Much More!Bruins Benders Premium Hoodies $55https://shop.insidetherink.com/products/get-bent-premium-hoodieBruins Benders Long Sleeve Tee $40https://shop.insidetherink.com/products/bruins-benders-long-sleeve-tee-1Bruins Benders Tee $30https://shop.insidetherink.com/products/bruins-benders-t-shirt-1For more from us, visit: insidetherink.com/bruins-bendersInside The RinkGet Bent Premium HoodieWho knew that the softest hoodie you'll ever own comes with such a cool design. You won't regret buying this classic streetwear piece of apparel with a convenient pouch pocket and warm hood for chilly evenings. • 100% cotton face • 65% ring-spun cotton, 35% polyester • Front pouch pocket • Self-fabric patch on the backhttps://shop.insidetherink.com/products/get-bent-premium-hoodieInside The RinkBruins Benders Long Sleeve T-ShirtEnrich your wardrobe with a versatile long sleeve tee. For a casual look, combine it with your favorite jeans, and layer it with a button-up shirt, a zip-up hoodie, or a snazzy jacket. Dress it up with formal trousers or chinos to achieve a more professional look. • 100% airlume combed ring-spun cotton • Heather colorshttps://shop.insidetherink.com/products/bruins-benders-long-sleeve-tee-1Inside The RinkBruins Benders T-ShirtThis t-shirt is everything you've dreamed of and more. It feels soft and lightweight, with the right amount of stretch. It's comfortable and flattering for all. • 100% combed and ring-spun cotton (Heather colors contain polyester) • Fabric weight: 4.2 oz./yd.² (142 g/m²) • Pre-shrunk fabric • Side-seamed construction •https://shop.insidetherink.com/products/bruins-benders-t-shirt-1