Brad Marchand Challenges Bruins Prospects To ‘Be Better’

BOSTON — There is an internal battle in Bruins training camp with several players vying for a spot on the Boston roster for the 2024-25 NHL season.

After a lackluster performance in the Bruins preseason opener, forwards Georgii Merkulov and Fabian Lysell improved their game against the Washington Capitals on Tuesday night, but Brad Marchand feels there’s still work to be done if they want to make the NHL squad.

“It’s encouraging, but pretty well needs to be better,” Marchand said. “For those guys to make the team, you’ve got to look at it and push guys out that are on term and big deals. Pretty good is not going to cut it. If you’re happy with that, you’ve got a long ways to go.”

Lysell scored his first goal of the preseason on the power play and Merkulov tallied an assist in the Bruins’ 4-2 victory, yet Marchand pinpointed areas they need to improve to elevate their game.

“It’s a good step, but they need to continue to grow and be better,” he said. “Not just making plays, but being clean with the puck and not turning it over and stuff like that. They’re showing well. They’re very skilled players, but there’s a lot more to it than just making a couple of plays.”

Marchand added: “To make it at this level consistently, you’ve got to steal somebody’s job. The biggest thing is how can you raise a bar to take a job and push somebody out. You know, and that’s what they’ve got to get to. … We need young guys to push and continue to push the pace and allow guys to not get comfortable on this team. We need the young bodies to come in and help the team, and that’s what great systems do.”

The Bruins have five more preseason games to see if Lysell and Merkulov can continue to build their game. Marchand’s challenge may not have been direct, but if the prospects have a shot of making the opening night roster, there’s not a lot of time left to take their foot off the gas.