NHL Player News

The Bruins recalled Merkulov from AHL Providence on Saturday.

Merkulov had a big season in the AHL in 2023-24, finding the back of the net 30 times while adding 35 assists in 67 regular-season games. Merkulov played in four NHL regular-season games last year, but he failed to garner a point. Merkulov could see more time in the NHL this season as he has plenty of offensive skills.

Acciari notched two goals on three shots in Friday's 7-3 preseason win over the Blue Jackets.

Acciari is expected to compete for a bottom-six role in the final days of training camp, but there's no question this two-goal performance certainly boosts his case to earn a role on the Opening Night roster. Acciari had an underwhelming season in 2023-24, racking up just seven points in 55 games, his lowest total since 2016-17.

Harrison was recalled from AHL Providence on Saturday.

Harrison spent last season at the minor-league level, scoring five times while adding nine assists in 47 regular-season games with AHL Providence. Look for Harrison to be demoted after Saturday's tilt in Washington.

Duran was called up from AHL Providence on Saturday.

The Bruins are filling out their roster for the final preseason game in Washington, hence the recall of Duran. He played in 11 AHL regular-season games in 2023-24, tallying two goals and two assists, following his junior campaign at Providence College.

Eller recorded two goals on three shots and added two assists in Friday's 7-3 preseason win over the Blue Jackets.

Preseason stats shouldn't count too much toward the regular season, but Eller was a one-man wrecking crew in this one after getting directly involved in four of the team's seven goals. Eller appeared in every regular-season game for the Penguins in 2023-24 as the third-line center and figures to hold that role this season. As a result, fantasy managers shouldn't expect these four-point games to continue for the 35-year-old veteran.

Kuraly registered an assist in Friday's 7-3 preseason loss to the Penguins.

Kuraly assisted on Cole Clayton's goal, and while that strike gave the Blue Jackets an early 2-0 lead in the first period, the Penguins would score five unanswered to turn things around. Kuraly had nine goals and nine assists across 62 regular-season games for the Blue Jackets as the fourth-line center in 2023-24, and he figures to maintain that role in 2024-25.

Johnson scored an unassisted goal on three shots in Friday's 7-3 preseason loss to the Penguins

Johnson's goal in the second period halted a red-hot Pittsburgh offense that had scored five unanswered goals, erasing a strong start from the Blue Jackets. Johnson has looked healthy in the preseason after undergoing shoulder surgery in March. The 21-year-old forward will likely see plenty of ice time in the top six and power play in 2024-25. He notched 16 points in 42 contests during the 2023-24 campaign before the shoulder injury ended his year prematurely.

McKown was returned to AHL Cleveland on Saturday, Aaron Portzline of The Athletic reports.

McKown was held off the scoresheet in a 7-3 loss to Pittsburgh after being recalled Friday to play in the Blue Jackets' preseason finale. McKown had nine goals and 24 points in 53 regular-season contests with AHL Cleveland in 2023-24.

Del Bel Belluz was returned to AHL Cleveland on Saturday, according to Aaron Portzline of The Athletic.

Del Bel Belluz was recalled Friday to play in the Blue Jackets' final preseason game. He had nine goals and 31 points in 58 regular-season appearances with Cleveland in 2023-24. Del Bel Belluz was drafted 44th overall in 2022 and could make his NHL debut later in the season.

Sillinger was sent to AHL Cleveland on Saturday, Aaron Portzline of The Athletic reports.

Sillinger inked a one-year, two-way contract with the Blue Jackets during the offseason. The 26-year-old managed to see action in three preseason games, but he was held off the scoresheet. Sillinger has yet to make his debut in the NHL.