The departure of forward Jake DeBrusk has opened an opportunity at second-line right wing for the Boston Bruins. DeBrusk signed a seven-year contract with the Vancouver Canucks with an annual salary of $5.5 million after the Bruins ended negotiations with the left wing. Last season, DeBrusk played primarily right wing on his off-side for Boston, and now the Bruins will have to fill that void after focusing their efforts on center and defenseman in free agency. With limited cap space and goaltender Jeremy Swayman still a restricted free agent, Boston will have to give an opportunity to a young forward within the system. Here are a few candidates:
Georgii Merkulov
Merkulov scored 30 goals and was a point-per-game player for the Providence Bruins in the American Hockey League this past season. The young center will be 24 years old on the team’s home opener in October and could have an inside track to the right-wing slot after two productive seasons in the AHL. Playing on the wing could also help Merkulov defensively with less responsibility and avoid having the stress of taking faceoffs. Last season, the former Ohio State Buckeye played four games with Boston and did not get much ice time. The Bruins are hoping this is the year Merkulov takes the next step.
Fabian Lysell
The first-round draft pick in 2021 had a rather tumultuous season with Providence that was plagued by inconsistent defensive play and injuries. Concussions have curbed the development of the 21-year-old, however the talent is still there. Providence Head Coach Ryan Mougnenel has mentioned an improved all-around game from Lysell and General Manager Don Sweeney mentioned confidence as a key factor. Even in an uneven year, Lysell totaled 50 points in 56 games. The Bruins need reliability and consistency from Lysell if he is to take over the second-line right-wing position.
Matt Poitras
The 20-year-old played 33 games with Boston before a lingering shoulder injury ended his season. Poitras is a gifted center, but his slight build and inexperience have hindered his performance. Like Merkulov, a move to wing for the right-shot forward might be a good start to the season for Poitras. The second-round pick in 2022 scored five goals with ten assists for Boston and is an important piece to Boston’s success this season. If Poitras takes a wing spot, look for Morgan Geekie or Trent Frederic at third-line center behind Elias Lindholm and Charlie Coyle.
Entering the 2024-25 season, the Bruins should be better on paper and second-line right-wing production makes them a contender. It might finally be time for a highly-touted Bruins prospect to finally get a chance to solidify a regular place in the lineup and give Boston another young talented player from recent drafts.
