Georgii Merkulov

Georgii Merkulov (born October 10, 2000) is a Russian professional ice hockey forward currently playing for the Boston Bruins of the National Hockey League (NHL). He previously played college ice hockey for Ohio State University of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA).

Collegiate
Merkulov committed to play college ice hockey for the Ohio State University during the 2021–22 season. In his freshman year, he led all NCAA freshmen with 20 goals, and was named to the All-Big Ten Freshman Team and the All-Big Ten First Team.

Boston Bruins
On 9 April 2022, Merkulov concluded his collegiate career after he was signed to a three-year, entry-level contract with the Boston Bruins, and was assigned to their AHL affiliate, the Providence Bruins, where he would play for the remainder of the season.

On 12 April 2023, after his first full professional season with the Providence Bruins, Merkulov was named to the AHL All-Rookie Team. He was second among AHL rookies in points with 55, which also led the Bruins, as well as leading the Bruins with 23 goals.

Once again impressing in Providence during the 2023–24 season, Merkulov earned a call-up to the NHL club on 29 December 2023. He would make his NHL debut the next day against the New Jersey Devils. Merkulov played four games with the team before being sent back to Providence on 5 January 2024. He did not record a point in his first stint. On 10 January 2024, Merkulov was named as Providence's representation in the 2024 AHL All Star Classic. Merkulov had yet another successful season in the AHL, as he led the P-Bruins with goals and points, with 30 and 65, respectively. He was also second on the team in assists. His 30 goals were tied for sixth in the AHL, and his 65 points had him tied for fifth in the league. Although Merkulov would score three assists in four games in the team's first round matchup in the 2024 Calder Cup playoffs against the Hartford Wolf Pack, the Bruins would fall to the Wolf Pack in four games for the second straight year.