By: Kevin O’Keefe | Follow me on Twitter @Kevin_OKeefe89
The Boston Bruins have announced that they signed forward Fabian Lysell to an entry-level contract. Drafted 21st overall in the first round of the 2021 NHL entry draft, Lysell was a surprise pick for a Bruins team that didn’t expect to get the type of talent they got in the young forward that late in the first round. Lysell is listed as a right-shot right-winger, standing at 5-foot-10, 172-pounds, and is from Goteborg, Sweden.
The Lysell hype is now confirmed to be real with his entry-level deal now in place. Considered to be a top-10 pick in the draft by many, somehow, he was able to fall to Sweeney at pick number 21. There is speculation that teams were wary of drafting the young skilled forward due to “character issues.” These issues have been recognized and determined to be nothing or concern. Another reason why he may have slipped is due to the covid-19 pandemic not allowing for teams to be in-person to scout Lysell. Luckily for the Bruins, they had plenty of boots on the ground overseas to take care of scouting these young players. Whatever the reason, the Bruins may have struck gold with this pick.
Being one of the fastest skaters in the draft isn’t his only attribute to take note of; Lysell is a highly skilled forward that can put the puck in the net while also playing at a high pace creating offensive chances for not only himself but other teammates as well. With multiple tools in his kit to work with, it’s safe to say Lysell can do it all offensively. His skating is smooth and technical; his edges allow him to get out of sticky situations on the ice seamlessly. Given the opportunity, he will look to use his long strides and powerful skating to create chances off the rush.
Lysell may not be the biggest guy on the ice, but his aggressive forecheck, and quickness on the backcheck makes him reliable on the defensive side of the game as well. He is like a magnet to the puck and does whatever he can to get it with his quick stick creating takeaways. When the 18-year-old Lysell puts on more weight, he is going to be a force to be reckoned with on both sides of the ice.
This was a great pick for a Bruins team that could use more speed and skill at the top end of their lineup. He easily has the tools to be an effective top-6 winger for this Boston club in the next couple of years. He will most likely start off the year in the AHL to get used to the North American game. Unless he wows at camp and in his first couple of months in the AHL, don’t expect to see him up with the big club this year. Welcome aboard Fabian, make the Boston Bruins proud!
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