When the Boston Bruins released their rookie camp roster, some famous names were left off, including Fabian Lysell and Georgii Merkulov.
Providence coach Ryan Mougenel stated after rookie camp concluded on Wednesday that the Bruins want the duo to be “extremely ready” when training camp begins next week, as he expects both players to make a run for NHL roster spots.
“I think you can get dinged up a little bit. But that’s a little above me, so I’ll leave it at that,” Mougenel said at Warrior Ice Arena. “But I expect those two to push as wll and they both look fantastic and (are) in great spirits. Their mindset seems great. So two fantastic players that I’m excited to see how they do in camp.”
Merkulov saw time in Boston last season when he was called up from Providence and saw action in four games. While the top center prospect didn’t amass a point, Merkulov had two hits and four blocked shots. The 23-year-old had a strong season in the AHL with 30 goals and and 35 assists in 67 games with the P-Bruins.
Lysell has yet to make his NHL debut but he’s knocking on the door. The forward had a strong camp last year but ultimately spent the season in Providence. Bruins general manager Don Sweeney admitted over the summer had Lysell not suffered a concussion toward the end of the 2023-24 AHL regular season, he likely would have gotten a look.
He was present for development camp earlier this summer, and Bruins player development coordinator Adam McQuaid told reporters that Lysell doesn’t need to “set the world on fire,” he just needs to be reliable
Both Lysell and Merkulov figure to come into a camp eyeing a spot on the Bruins’ Opening Night roster. They’ll certainly be players to watch when training camp begins Sept. 18.
