The Colorado Avalanche announced they have signed forward Georgii Merkulov to a one-year contract for the 2026-27 season.

Playing history

Merkulov is a 25-year-old native of Ryazan, Russia. He’s a left-handed shooter listed at five foot 11 and 174 pounds. Prior to turning pro, Merkulov spent the 2021-22 season at Ohio State University, where he posted 20 goals and 14 assists in 36 contests. He was also elected to both the Big Ten First All-Star Team and Big Ten All-Freshman Team.

In the spring of 2022, Merkulov signed as an undrafted free agent with the Boston Bruins. Since then, he’s played a total of 271 regular-season AHL games, all with the Providence Bruins, racking up 94 goals and 146 assists. He also played thirteen AHL playoff games, scoring one goal and four assists. In the NHL, Merkulov amassed 11 games with the Boston Bruins, scoring one assist in that time.

Last season, Merkulov was only four points shy of his best season ever. He scored 24 goals and 37 assists in 70 games, leading his team in both assists and points and ranking second in goals on a team that won the Macgregor Kilpatrick Trophy for having AHL’s best record. He was also the all-time franchise points leaders for the Providence Bruins.

What to expect

Merkulov is expected to play primarily for the Colorado Eagles. He’s a pass-first offensive forward known for his elite hockey sense and playmaking ability. He excels on the power play, where he uses his vision to consistently set up scoring chances. He also never quits on a play, as seen in this goal in March of 2026 against the Springfield Thunderbirds.

After losing so many of their starters (including their top points earner, Alex Barré-Boulet) to free agency and trades, this signing for the Eagles brings a bit of relief. His numbers for the 2025–26 season would have made him second amongst Eagles, with only Barré-Boulet scoring more. He was also teammates in Providence with both Fabian Lysell and Christian Wolanin. Lysell was acquired by the Avalanche in a trade on June 27, 2026, and Wolanin signed with the Avalanche on July 5, 2026. Hopefully this familiarity gives them immediate chemistry when they take the ice for the Eagles in October 2026.