Prospects Report: Merkulov, Beecher, Lohrei Pace P-Bruins

Prospects Report: Merkulov, Beecher, Lohrei Pace P-Bruins

Scope out how the Bruins’ pool of prospects have performed recently through Providence, the NCAA, juniors, and Europe. 

Providence

Georgii Merkulov returned from his recall in Boston without missing a beat. The 5-foot-11, 175-pound forward scored goals in both of Providence’s road games last week. The Ryazan, Russia, native ranks sixth in the AHL with 35 points and ninth with 16 goals. Merkulov will represent Providence at the 2024 AHL All-Star Classic on February 4 and 5 in San Jose.

Head Coach Ryan Mougenel is proud of the forward’s development through two seasons in Providence.

“The biggest thing in the growth of Merkulov is where he’s come from and where he’s going,” said Mougenel. “He came from an offensive background, and that is his gift, but what’s going to allow him to survive at the American League level and play in the National Hockey League is his commitment to playing without the puck and to the team system. He’s been absolutely outstanding that way.”

Brandon Bussi has found his stride midway through the season between the pipes for the P-Bruins. The 6-foot-5, 218-pound goaltender has won his last five starts, including stopping 25 of the 26 shots he faced in Sunday’s 2-1 overtime win over Bridgeport. The Sound Beach, N.Y., native posted a combined .936 save percentage in his last three appearances.

Mougenel knows his goaltender will always be there to make a big save when the team needs it most.

“One of the best attributes of Bussi is his commitment to battle for his teammates,” said Mougenel. “He’s a goalie that wins. The Bruins have done an amazing job of growing goalies. He’s a talented kid, for sure.”

Europe Casper Nassen is producing in the Swedish Junior Hockey League for Vastra Frolunda Jr. A seventh-round selection (214th) in the 2023 NHL Entry Draft, Nassen has 17 points, including six goals, in 29 games.

NCAA

Oskar Jellvik has been a key factor for Boston College this season, leading them to a national ranking of No. 2. The sophomore forward has 11 goals and 10 assists in 21 games, averaging a point per game.

Goaltender Philip Svedebäck has backboned the Providence College Friars to a national ranking of No. 10, posting 12 wins in 21 starts, and notching a 2.25 goals against average and a .900 save percentage.

Juniors

Chris Pelosi has been a dynamic forward for the Sioux Falls Stampede of the USHL this season. Boston’s third round selection (92nd) in the 2023 NHL Entry Draft has 36 points on 16 goals and 20 assists through 32 games played.

Europe

Casper Nassen is producing in the Swedish Junior Hockey League for Vastra Frolunda Jr. A seventh-round selection (214th) in the 2023 NHL Entry Draft, Nassen has 17 points, including six goals, in 29 games.

 

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