Boston Bruins head coach Jim Montgomery made it clear what this top prospect needs to do to make the NHL roster.
With training camp right around the corner, the Boston Bruins have several players expected to compete for NHL jobs. Among the most notable prospects who are viewed as possessing a real shot of earning an opening night roster spot is Georgii Merkulov.
Merkulov, 23, has certainly earned the chance to compete for an NHL spot at training camp. The 5-foot-11 forward was marvelous with the Providence Bruins this past season, posting 30 goals and 65 points in 67 games. He also made his first career AHL All-Star Game.
After hitting a new level offensively with Providence, Merkulov is undoubtedly more on the Bruins' radar. However, Bruins head coach Jim Montgomery made it clear while speaking to reporters that Merkulov will need more than just his offense to make the Bruins' roster.
Here is what Montgomery had to say on the matter to reporters, including the Boston Herald's Steve Conroy, while at the Boston Bruins Foundation golf tournament:
"I think Georgii had a great second year. He improved upon a real good first year, and he’s just continuing to grow. To become a full-time Bruin – not only for him but for a lot of people – it’s understanding how to build the team game consistently and having value. Because you’re not going to get the same quality ice time as you did in Providence. It’s not going to be given to you. We have Pastrnak, we have Marchand, we have players that fulfill those roles. So if players want to come in and be a big part of what we do – and we think Georgii is one of those guys – it’s producing and building the team game to help us win consistently.”
With this, it is apparent that Montgomery is hoping that Merkulov can show that he can be more than just an offensively talented player. The Bruins value smart and two-way play, and the 23-year-old will need to work on that while at training camp.
However, considering how well Merkulov has been developing his game, it is hard not to feel optimistic about the young forward's chances of making the roster. If he shows Montgomery that he can fit into the Bruins' system, he could find himself a home in the NHL shortly.
