Prospects Report: Merkulov, Beecher, Lohrei Pace P-Bruins
BostonBruins.com – Scope out how the Bruins’ pool of prospects have performed recently through Providence, the NCAA, juniors, and Europe.
Providence
Without breaking a beat, Georgii Merkulov returned from his recall in Boston. The 175-pound, 5-foot-11 forward scored goals in Providence’s two previous away games. With 35 points and 16 goals, the product of Ryazan, Russia, is ranked ninth in the AHL. Merkulov will play for Providence on February 4 and 5 in San Jose at the 2024 AHL All-Star Classic.
Ryan Mougenel, the head coach, is pleased with the forward’s growth throughout his 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.”
In their first game back with the American League team on Sunday, Johnny Beecher and Mason Lohrei—who were recently transferred to Providence—made an immediate impression. After Lohrei spun off a defender in the right circle, walked the puck to the slot, and fired a snap shot bar down to secure the victory for the P-Bruins, Beecher tied the game 44 seconds into the second period with a wrist shot from the top of the slot.
Mougenel was happy with Beecher and Lohrei’s contributions to the game on Sunday.
“They both had huge impacts on the game,” said Mougenel. “They came at a time when we needed some fresh legs. Beech did what we needed him to do and the things that are going to give him success in the NHL. Lohrei has the ability to be a game breaker. The things that they have to grow in their game and get better at we’re going to work on daily.”
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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