Player Discussion Georgii Merkulov

[Fenian24]

I don’t recall those comparisons but that’s why I hate comparisons. Let him develop as Merkulov.

What I am hoping for, people longing for their Koko binky, thinking he was still not a great NHL player because of Julien being "mean" to him by making him play hard.

He is a great signing, costs absolutely nothing and could be a home run. Sign a couple more college free agents, it's good way to restock the prospects at zero risk.

I hope he is another Martin St. Louis not another AHLer. I would be thrilled with a scoring second line winger or replacement for Smith on the Coyle/Frederic line in a couple years.

 

[rocketdan9]

How much room is there on this kids frame? Does he look like he will be 181 long term or could he be expected to put put on 10 or more pounds? I know he’s a goal scorer, is he a good player on and off the puck? I know people don’t love comparisons but I would.

Someone ask Lohrei

 

[BruinsFanSince94]

Could Harkins be doing the eye emoji because this is his guy? Strictly going off his LinkedIn profile, he’s based in Ohio and scouts the NCAA/USHL/OHL?

 

[rocketdan9]

How much room is there on this kids frame? Does he look like he will be 181 long term or could he be expected to put put on 10 or more pounds? I know he’s a goal scorer, is he a good player on and off the puck? I know people don’t love comparisons but I would.

Located this scouting report online (from 2019)

​

Georgi Merkulov (F) #80​

Club: Kapitan Stupino
5’10” / 169 lbs
Tier: Solid Prospect
Style of play: Two-way Center
2019 Draft Suggestion: 5th/6th Round

Merkulov has good quick feet and builds up his top end speed nicely with his stride. He does not lack agility or flexibility as he powers his way through opposing players and keeps good balance along the way. He does a fine job engaging physically, not crossing the line but being in the opponent’s face and protecting the center ice. He will play a clean game but might finish his check on the boards or create some extra chaos in front of the opposing goalie’s crease. He’s fairly gifted with his playmaking skills and drives the play North-South and East-West wonderfully. While Garayev is creating extra space, Merkulov will speed up and fill that space with the puck on his stick. He has very good vision and the way he creates plays is pure pleasure for the hockey fans . Merkulov has very good hands and seems to be a very confident player. He’s very precise and accurate with his stick moves and isn’t a selfish player trying to do too much on his own. His shot release is very good, he can take a quick wrister from the hash marks or fire a heavy 1-timer from the slot area. On the PowerPlay he takes the center spot and cruises between opposing defenders finding space for his 1-timer. He’s able to create scoring chances off from a cycle, from an offensive rush or after a successful takeaway on the forecheck. Merkulov is a very versatile center and he proves that in his own end as well. He has very good defensive instincts and reads plays very well in his own end while backchecking. He has a very active stick and blocks passing lanes many times during a game. Usually his successful defensive plays result in an odd man rush for his team. With his fine Defensive IQ he has earned a spot on the Penalty Kill along with Garayev.

Merkulov looks like a very balanced and solid prospect at the center position. He plays a smart two-way game and I’m sure that once he gets experience in the Pro league his game will flourish.

 

[DominicT]

Gotta think giving him the one way contract was the Bruins sales pitch.
Not many teams willing to pay that kind of money for a player to play in the AHL.
Great move if it works out.

It's a two way contract. All entry level contracts are two way.

 

[Bruinator]

this is true. besides samsonov i dont recall one russian ever working out for Boston since I have been watching in the early 1970's. Zhamnov or whoever maybe considered some success but not much. We shy away from signing them its obvious, not sure why but look at other teams and compare them to the Bruins over the years. We simply do not draft and rarely sign Russians.

Dmitri Kvartolnov was excellent when he first arrived but it not take too long for his flame to burn out.

 

[PB37]

I like the way the puck just explodes off his stick when he rips it in the limited videos I've seen of him. Thats a hard quality to teach... some players are just uncanny with getting that little extra zip. Nice signing with zero risk.

 

[Baddkarma]

Taking a flyer on a skilled guy with a decent motor? Im all in...

 

[rocketdan9]

Gotta think giving him the one way contract was the Bruins sales pitch.
Not many teams willing to pay that kind of money for a player to play in the AHL.
Great move if it works out.

Hmm. Do you have a link that it was a one way contract?

On cap friendly it reflects two way. Same with MM and Lysell

 

[Gonzothe7thDman]

Hmm. Do you have a link that it was a one way contract?

On cap friendly it reflects two way. Same with MM and Lysell

Iirc players under 25 have to sign an entry level 2 way contract.

Unless somethings changed in the last couple years pretty sure:

18-21 3 year 2-way contracts
22-23 2 year 2-way contracts
24 1 year 2-way contracts

All teams can basically offer the same contract in these situations and it's up to the player to choose where they want to play.

 

[World of Wardlow]

Realistically, what are his chances of making the bruins?

 

[DominicT]

Iirc players under 25 have to sign an entry level 2 way contract.

Unless somethings changed in the last couple years pretty sure:

18-21 3 year 2-way contracts
22-23 2 year 2-way contracts
24 1 year 2-way contracts

All teams can basically offer the same contract in these situations and it's up to the player to choose where they want to play.

Age has no bearing on it. Every player entering the league for the first time must sign an entry level contract and they are always two-way. If you are 24 and older, they are one-year deals.

Jesper Froden is the Bruins example - signing age, 26 on a one-year, two-way ELC

 

[Grasshopperking]

That scouting report was glowing. Would love for him to be mentored by Bergy

 

[Patdud]

If his contract starts next year, what does that mean for his availability in prov this year? Or was there an ahl contract for this year in there too?

 

[barriers]

If his contract starts next year, what does that mean for his availability in prov this year? Or was there an ahl contract for this year in there too?

He also signed an amateur try out to play for Providence if I'm not confusing him with someone else.

 

[sarge88]

Really excited about this kid and am hoping he’s the type that will be even more productive when playing with more skilled guys.

 

[Dr Hook]

Dmitri Kvartolnov was excellent when he first arrived but it not take too long for his flame to burn out.

My NHL 95 line of Kvarty Oates Neely blew the rest of the league away

 

[Gonzothe7thDman]

Age has no bearing on it. Every player entering the league for the first time must sign an entry level contract and they are always two-way. If you are 24 and older, they are one-year deals.

Jesper Froden is the Bruins example - signing age, 26 on a one-year, two-way ELC

Age definitely has a bearing on it and everything I stated was correct.

The reason why Froden had to sign a 1 year ELC is because he's an undrafted European player between the age of 26-27. If he was 28 on 9/15 of the year he signed then he would not have needed to sign an ELC. Or if he was North American the cutoff I listed before at 25 would be accurate.

Unless something has changed in the CBA that I missed

Edit:

Notwithstanding the chart set forth in (b) above, a Player who at the time he was
drafted was playing for a team outside North America or who meets the qualifications set forth in
Article 8.4(a)(v) (a "European Player") who signs his first SPC at ages 25-27 shall be subject to
the Entry Level System for one (1) year. A European Player who signs his first SPC at age 28 or
older is not subject to the Entry Level System under any circumstances.

 

[CrownofThornton]

OT: Every time I read his stat line and look at the last Russian team he played for I think it says Kapitan Stupido.

I don’t have anything to add, but this legitimately made me laugh. I’m glad I’m not the only one!

 

[DominicT]

Age definitely has a bearing on it and everything I stated was correct.

The reason why Froden had to sign a 1 year ELC is because he's an undrafted European player between the age of 26-27. If he was 28 on 9/15 of the year he signed then he would not have needed to sign an ELC. Or if he was North American the cutoff I listed before at 25 would be accurate.

Unless something has changed in the CBA that I missed

Edit:

Is that from a copy of the new CBA because I'd love to have it and can't find it anywhere.

I thought it had changed under the Memorandum of Understanding when the NHL and NHLPA had agreed to an extension. After checking again, it pertains to benefits eligibility.

Nonetheless, his contract is a two-way contract.

But if you have a link to the new CBA - can you send it my way please? Thanks!

 

[Gonzothe7thDman]

Is that from a copy of the new CBA because I'd love to have it and can't find it anywhere.

I thought it had changed under the Memorandum of Understanding when the NHL and NHLPA had agreed to an extension. After checking again, it pertains to benefits eligibility.

Nonetheless, his contract is a two-way contract.

But if you have a link to the new CBA - can you send it my way please? Thanks!

Collective Bargaining Agreement

The CBA between the NHLPA and the NHL sets out the terms and conditions of employment for all professional hockey players playing in the NHL, as well as the res

www.nhlpa.com

The one I pulled was from there.

I did not check the MOU so you may be correct if it was changed.

If that's the case then I was incorrect.

 

[Saxon Eric]

How much room is there on this kids frame? Does he look like he will be 181 long term or could he be expected to put put on 10 or more pounds? I know he’s a goal scorer, is he a good player on and off the puck? I know people don’t love comparisons but I would.

He also signed an amateur try out to play for Providence if I'm not confusing him with someone else.

You are correct, ATO till the season ends

 

[DominicT]

Collective Bargaining Agreement

The CBA between the NHLPA and the NHL sets out the terms and conditions of employment for all professional hockey players playing in the NHL, as well as the res

www.nhlpa.com

The one I pulled was from there.

I did not check the MOU so you may be correct if it was changed.

If that's the case then I was incorrect.

No it didn't change in the MOU. Only when regards to health benefits so you were correct.

 

[Saxon Eric]

So where does he sit in our prospect rankings? Curious to know if he's ahead of guys like Lauko and Kuntar.

Top 5 for me
And I could convince myself he's 3rd after Lorhei and Lysell

 

[Blowfish]

Top 5 for me
And I could convince myself he's 3rd after Lorhei and Lysell

Wow ... awesome pick up for Boston. Looking forward to hearing more about this kid.