Player Discussion Georgii Merkulov

[Patdud]

Can’t wait to see him

Would you be comfortable having him center Pastrnak

would imagine they'd want to give him Marchand to help him develop Dzone coverage and set up some of those sweet sweet one timers

 

[Saxon Eric]

Can’t wait to see him

Would you be comfortable having him center Pastrnak

In preseason yes lol

 

[Dr Hook]

I hope he gets a long look at center- height notwithstanding. The Bruins dearly need some young centers and I would hate for them to just dismiss a guy from the spot because of some bias about his size. Every player is different, and if they are just going to conver every center prospect into a wing, why even draft/sign young centers? Let's see what he's got in the role!

 

[BruinDust]

I hope he gets a long look at center- height notwithstanding. The Bruins dearly need some young centers and I would hate for them to just dismiss a guy from the spot because of some bias about his size. Every player is different, and if they are just going to conver every center prospect into a wing, why even draft/sign young centers? Let's see what he's got in the role!

It's not ideal and it's not the norm anymore, but there are centers in the NHL his size still. Brayden Point comes to mind.

Him in the C position comes down to usage. If his line (which would be a scoring line) is getting a lot of offensive zone starts and the least amount of defensive zone starts (like Krejci's line in 2019), it could be a plausible scenario, him centering a line in Boston next year.

If they want him to go up against the best-of-the-best and just roll 4 lines, taking whatever match-ups his line is given, he'll likely be put in a position to fail, particularly in the early going.

 

[JoeIsAStud]

It's not ideal and it's not the norm anymore, but there are centers in the NHL his size still. Brayden Point comes to mind.

Him in the C position comes down to usage. If his line (which would be a scoring line) is getting a lot of offensive zone starts and the least amount of defensive zone starts (like Krejci's line in 2019), it could be a plausible scenario, him centering a line in Boston next year.

If they want him to go up against the best-of-the-best and just roll 4 lines, taking whatever match-ups his line is given, he'll likely be put in a position to fail, particularly in the early going.

I don't think his height will be the factor that determines whether he can play in the NHL for the Bruins. I do think his ability to play the 200 foot game in a way they expect from a Center will determine that . they have given him that chance at the AHL level, and he will almost certainly be given a look at camp in the fall to see how he looks against NHL talent in that position

Much like the draft Poitras. They didn't drat him hoping he would grow 2-3 inches, but they did draft him hoping he would develop the ability to play the 200 foot game the Bruins expect their centers to play

 

[BruinDust]

I don't think his height will be the factor that determines whether he can play in the NHL for the Bruins. I do think his ability to play the 200 foot game in a way they expect from a Center will determine that . they have given him that chance at the AHL level, and he will almost certainly be given a look at camp in the fall to see how he looks against NHL talent in that position

Much like the draft Poitras. They didn't drat him hoping he would grow 2-3 inches, but they did draft him hoping he would develop the ability to play the 200 foot game the Bruins expect their centers to play

The do go a bit hand-in-hand. Size/height/weight and ones ability to play without the puck. We hear it all the time about D-men. Well centers today are basically the 3rd D-man in their own zone, so it's really no different. Hench why there is a certain amount of capability expected defensively in NHL centers in today's era. We can't discount reach either. Reach probably doesn't get talked about enough, but reach can be a massive advantage defensively (and offensively too).

I don't get too worked up on where a forward is drafted (wing vs. center). Many a top young forward played C their entire amateur careers, because that is where top players normally would gravitate towards, then drafted as C, then converted to wingers as pros. Generally it works out just fine. There are exceptions where a guys skill-set doesn't translate to the wing or they simply can't carve out a niche there (Trent Frederic).

I think they just want to draft and develop good players and good athletes, and expect to be able to instill the 200 ft game once they go pro. I will say this approach has been hit-and-miss in my opinion.

 

[Mainehockey33]

The do go a bit hand-in-hand. Size/height/weight and ones ability to play without the puck. We hear it all the time about D-men. Well centers today are basically the 3rd D-man in their own zone, so it's really no different. Hench why there is a certain amount of capability expected defensively in NHL centers in today's era. We can't discount reach either. Reach probably doesn't get talked about enough, but reach can be a massive advantage defensively (and offensively too).

I don't get too worked up on where a forward is drafted (wing vs. center). Many a top young forward played C their entire amateur careers, because that is where top players normally would gravitate towards, then drafted as C, then converted to wingers as pros. Generally it works out just fine. There are exceptions where a guys skill-set doesn't translate to the wing or they simply can't carve out a niche there (Trent Frederic).

I think they just want to draft and develop good players and good athletes, and expect to be able to instill the 200 ft game once they go pro. I will say this approach has been hit-and-miss in my opinion.

17 goals in his first full season as a winger playing with Coyle. That’s more goals than any other guy that’s played primarily with Coyle for an entire season. I know he didn’t produce in the playoffs but what does he need to do to carve out a niche as a winger? (I’d actually like to see him get some time at center next season to see if he can take over the 3rd line spot but he just had a good season, 20+ goals isn’t out of the question.)

 

[dugg133]

Merkulov weirdly could end up being a very important player going into next season. Assuming Bergeron comes back we can still have a very competitive top 6 with something along the lines of:

Marchand - Bergeron - Debrusk
Hall/Bertuzzi - Zacha - Pasta

But I just don't see a realistic way we can afford to keep both Hall and Bertuzzi, which means having Merkulov able to slot in for cheap on the third line and provide scoring depth could be very important. Hopefully he's ready for it, he looked good in Providence this year.

 

[BruinDust]

17 goals in his first full season as a winger playing with Coyle. That’s more goals than any other guy that’s played primarily with Coyle for an entire season. I know he didn’t produce in the playoffs but what does he need to do to carve out a niche as a winger? (I’d actually like to see him get some time at center next season to see if he can take over the 3rd line spot but he just had a good season, 20+ goals isn’t out of the question.)

He scored 17 goals, but he's not a goal-scorer.

Decent shot, but he's not a shooter.

Doesn't create, drive a line, or make a lot of plays.

Not leaned on defensively. Doesn't kill penalties. Never plays center anymore, so doesn't take face-offs.

Doesn't play physical on a consistent basis. Isn't a good enough skater to be a really strong forechecker as he lacks a top gear and a strong first step.

Doesn't play the PP. Isn't a net front presence. If I'm his coach, I'm continually asking myself "WTF does this guy do really well that I can utilize". And I don't see what that is. 5 seasons as a pro and still no one knows who he is as an NHL hockey player. Running his mouth and the scattered fight? I can find that elsewhere easily. And likely come cheaper.

I think they have one last shot with him. Put him back in the middle. Get him up to speed on face-offs (he's got the size and strength be at least competent in that area). Focus on playing sound hockey away from the puck and go from there.

If that isn't their plan with him, it's time to cut bait and give the opportunity he's been gifted the past few seasons to someone else. The 2016 draft was a lifetime ago. It may be time to move on.

 

[UncleRico]

17 goals in his first full season as a winger playing with Coyle. That’s more goals than any other guy that’s played primarily with Coyle for an entire season. I know he didn’t produce in the playoffs but what does he need to do to carve out a niche as a winger? (I’d actually like to see him get some time at center next season to see if he can take over the 3rd line spot but he just had a good season, 20+ goals isn’t out of the question.)

How many of those guys who didnt score 17 goals with coyle as their center also had Hall and bertuzzi as wingers?

 

[DKH]

Really looking forward to seeing this one timer supposed to be elite

I never saw it in the early games I went to but apparently he perfected it by end

Also good to hear he’s very solidly built

 

[Mainehockey33]

He scored 17 goals, but he's not a goal-scorer.

Decent shot, but he's not a shooter.

Doesn't create, drive a line, or make a lot of plays.

Not leaned on defensively. Doesn't kill penalties. Never plays center anymore, so doesn't take face-offs.

Doesn't play physical on a consistent basis. Isn't a good enough skater to be a really strong forechecker as he lacks a top gear and a strong first step.

Doesn't play the PP. Isn't a net front presence. If I'm his coach, I'm continually asking myself "WTF does this guy do really well that I can utilize". And I don't see what that is. 5 seasons as a pro and still no one knows who he is as an NHL hockey player. Running his mouth and the scattered fight? I can find that elsewhere easily. And likely come cheaper.

I think they have one last shot with him. Put him back in the middle. Get him up to speed on face-offs (he's got the size and strength be at least competent in that area). Focus on playing sound hockey away from the puck and go from there.

If that isn't their plan with him, it's time to cut bait and give the opportunity he's been gifted the past few seasons to someone else. The 2016 draft was a lifetime ago. It may be time to move on.

 

[CDJ]

4th on the team in ES goals, more than Bergeron/Coyle/Marchand/Krejci/Hall. While playing far less minutes per game than all of them.

But he’s bad and does nothing right! Fringe NHLer who has one last chance at establishing himself in the league!!!
Anyway I’m excited to see Merkulov, use him in the Pasta spot on PP2 if he makes the team!

 

[NDiesel]

4th on the team in ES goals, more than Bergeron/Coyle/Marchand/Krejci/Hall. While playing far less minutes per game than all of them.

But he’s bad and does nothing right! Fringe NHLer who has one last chance at establishing himself in the league!!!

Lmao get real

Anyway I’m excited to see Merkulov, use him in the Pasta spot on PP2 if he makes the team!

If Merkulovs one timer is as good as advertised I would eventually like to see him on the right half wall. Marchand isn't much of a shooting threat from there, but I feel like another shooter opposite from Pasta could open up Pasta a bit more, and make them pay if they do decide to cheat to his side.

Very curious what the PP will look like without Bergeron

 

[TCB]

If Merkulovs one timer is as good as advertised I would eventually like to see him on the right half wall. Marchand isn't much of a shooting threat from there, but I feel like another shooter opposite from Pasta could open up Pasta a bit more, and make them pay if they do decide to cheat to his side.

Very curious what the PP will look like without Bergeron

Either that or have some one at the point who can unleash one timers with accuracy. Ovi great no doubt, but having Carlson out there with him helps keep the opposition at least some what honest.

 

[NDiesel]

Either that or have some one at the point who can unleash one timers with accuracy. Ovi great no doubt, but having Carlson out there with him helps keep the opposition at least some what honest.

Yep great example, and exactly my thought...maybe Lohrei is eventually that guy? I actually don't know much about his shot...

 

[BruinDust]

@Mainehockey33 my days of debating the pros and cons of Trent Frederic are over. Hopefully he brings more to the table next season. I'm still hoping they give him a look in the middle but we'll see, that ship may have sailed.

 

[DKH]

@Mainehockey33 my days of debating the pros and cons of Trent Frederic are over. Hopefully he brings more to the table next season. I'm still hoping they give him a look in the middle but we'll see, that ship may have sailed.

I’m told the regular season doesn’t matter but if it did he was third in goals per TOI, 28th in entire league in +/- if it matters and it doesn’t because regular season doesn’t

When he one punch dropped Peterson in retaliation for Bergeron hit this place wept openly with joy for 72 hours

But the con is the regular season doesn’t matter

 

[BruinDust]

I’m told the regular season doesn’t matter but if it did he was third in goals per TOI, 28th in entire league in +/- if it matters and it doesn’t because regular season doesn’t

When he one punch dropped Peterson in retaliation for Bergeron hit this place wept openly with joy for 72 hours

But the con is the regular season doesn’t matter

I find plus/minus interesting because some people think it doesn't mean squat, but I've always felt the stat held weight and it does matter.

When it comes to Frederic and Gryz, they are both interesting cases because in the regular season at least, their plus/minus is high but it doesn't always translate in their usage by the coaching staff.

Gryz especially, for his career I think he's Top 5 since he entered the league and his contemporaries on D from a plus/minus perspective are legit shut-down guys like Hedman, Slavin, and Ekholm. Devon Toews and McAvoy are right there as well among the best plus/minus among D-men since 2017-18. Among Forwards, Bergeron and Marchand are the absolute plus/minus kings during that same time period.

Not to get the Merkulov thread too off topic but if Gryz's plus/minus is among a bunch of players who are considered strong defensive players, I don't believe Gryz's plus/minus is some sort of fluke. I'm not saying he's a legit shutdown D-men but this concept he can't defend that some people have, to me, is false. On the Frederic side, I believe that strong plus/minus shows he has some defensive chops and could excel if given more defensive responsibility like playing in the middle. My issue with Frederic has always been he just hasn't carved out a role in the NHL, and part of that is his lack of special teams responsibility. A generally speaking, I've never been much of a fan of forwards with minimal roles on special teams. It was one of my points of contention when they signed Craig Smith. I felt Claude Julien was always good at making sure every forward had a role. I hope this season Monty and the staff see fit to expand on Trent Frederic's role, as they'll need it.

 

[4ORRBRUIN]

Is there a reason he wasn't at camp?

 

[DKH]

I find plus/minus interesting because some people think it doesn't mean squat, but I've always felt the stat held weight and it does matter.

When it comes to Frederic and Gryz, they are both interesting cases because in the regular season at least, their plus/minus is high but it doesn't always translate in their usage by the coaching staff.

Gryz especially, for his career I think he's Top 5 since he entered the league and his contemporaries on D from a plus/minus perspective are legit shut-down guys like Hedman, Slavin, and Ekholm. Devon Toews and McAvoy are right there as well among the best plus/minus among D-men since 2017-18. Among Forwards, Bergeron and Marchand are the absolute plus/minus kings during that same time period.

Not to get the Merkulov thread too off topic but if Gryz's plus/minus is among a bunch of players who are considered strong defensive players, I don't believe Gryz's plus/minus is some sort of fluke. I'm not saying he's a legit shutdown D-men but this concept he can't defend that some people have, to me, is false. On the Frederic side, I believe that strong plus/minus shows he has some defensive chops and could excel if given more defensive responsibility like playing in the middle. My issue with Frederic has always been he just hasn't carved out a role in the NHL, and part of that is his lack of special teams responsibility. A generally speaking, I've never been much of a fan of forwards with minimal roles on special teams. It was one of my points of contention when they signed Craig Smith. I felt Claude Julien was always good at making sure every forward had a role. I hope this season Monty and the staff see fit to expand on Trent Frederic's role, as they'll need it.

I am a Grzelcyk guy - I fixate on what he can do and not what he can’t do or isn’t

Does what he can do help you ?

He’s an elite puck retriever
He’s an elite neutral zone defender
He’s got high end decision-maker
He’s quick feet and hands to start breakouts
Excellent positioning defensively and using brain, positioning and stick to defend

Unfortunately the playoffs only matter and regular season skills are minimized

In the playoffs he is one of six defenders and the smallest - and if you can hit him high and hurt or concise - earlier in the game all the better - it’s good for your opponent

Grzelcyk did play games 3 and 4 both Bruins wins with Florida having last change

Unfortunately Monty was standing at the intersection of bored and not respecting your opponent and it got him

That said

I’m very happy to have him on and off the ice and regular season when no one cares would keep him 95% with McAvoy

However if Calgary offered Noah Hanifin (25 % retained equals Grzelcyk contract) and say Johnny Beecher and a couple of conditional seconds if Noah resigned with Boston I do it

 

[CDJ]

I am a Grzelcyk guy - I fixate on what he can do and not what he can’t do or isn’t

Does what he can do help you ?

He’s an elite puck retriever
He’s an elite neutral zone defender
He’s got high end decision-maker
He’s quick feet and hands to start breakouts
Excellent positioning defensively and using brain, positioning and stick to defend

Unfortunately the playoffs only matter and regular season skills are minimized

In the playoffs he is one of six defenders and the smallest - and if you can hit him high and hurt or concise - earlier in the game all the better - it’s good for your opponent

Grzelcyk did play games 3 and 4 both Bruins wins with Florida having last change

Unfortunately Monty was standing at the intersection of bored and not respecting your opponent and it got him

That said

I’m very happy to have him on and off the ice and regular season when no one cares would keep him 95% with McAvoy

However if Calgary offered Noah Hanifin (25 % retained equals Grzelcyk contract) and say Johnny Beecher and a couple of conditional seconds if Noah resigned with Boston I do it

It’s ok since the regular season doesn’t matter (as we’ve been told) we can just go 10-72 next year and turn it on in the playoffs! right???

 

[DKH]

It’s ok since the regular season doesn’t matter (as we’ve been told) we can just go 10-72 next year and turn it on in the playoffs! right???

We.need 95 points but they should have that easy

We can drop 40 points and saunter in a low choke-free 6-8 spot

 

[Saxon Eric]

Is there a reason he wasn't at camp?

They usually don't invite players who played a full year in Providence
But there are exceptions like goalies or in Lysell's case to see where he's at

 

[MarchysNoseKnows]

I am a Grzelcyk guy - I fixate on what he can do and not what he can’t do or isn’t

Does what he can do help you ?

He’s an elite puck retriever
He’s an elite neutral zone defender
He’s got high end decision-maker
He’s quick feet and hands to start breakouts
Excellent positioning defensively and using brain, positioning and stick to defend

Unfortunately the playoffs only matter and regular season skills are minimized

In the playoffs he is one of six defenders and the smallest - and if you can hit him high and hurt or concise - earlier in the game all the better - it’s good for your opponent

Grzelcyk did play games 3 and 4 both Bruins wins with Florida having last change

Unfortunately Monty was standing at the intersection of bored and not respecting your opponent and it got him

That said

I’m very happy to have him on and off the ice and regular season when no one cares would keep him 95% with McAvoy

However if Calgary offered Noah Hanifin (25 % retained equals Grzelcyk contract) and say Johnny Beecher and a couple of conditional seconds if Noah resigned with Boston I do it

Can’t do contingent picks like that any more DK