By: Mark Allred | Follow me on Twitter / X @BlackAndGold277
Today, Boston Bruins Head Coach Jim Montgomery updated the media after practice at the Warrior Ice Arena that forward Morgan Geekie sustained an upper-body injury and is listed as week-to-week. The 25-year-old Manitoba, Canada native played the whole game on Monday night on the road against the Dallas Stars, where he logged his 2023-24 season-long average of 13 minutes per game. It remains a mystery concerning the Geekie injury, as he’s been a consistent middle-six player in this early regular season.
If the Bruins are looking for a short-term replacement while Geekie recovers from whatever injured him, the team could again call their American Hockey League affiliate to fill the void. Boston has previously recalled three young defensemen and one forward from Providence to cover for recent injuries and a suspension. The B’s could call upon natural right-winger Fabian Lysell, who’s been red hot lately in his time in Providence this season and gaining developmental confidence in his second professional hockey season.
Lysell, a 5′-11″ promising young forward within the Bruins organization, is currently honing his skills, appearing in ten games this season, posting 3-6-9 numbers along with 21 shots on goal. The 20-year-old Swedish winger was the Bruins’ first-round pick in the 2021 National Hockey League Entry Draft. Lysell’s speed, agility, and offensive prowess have made him a standout player in the last six games, leading many to believe he could be ready for the big stage and help out at the NHL level.
Geekie’s injury is a significant blow to the Bruins as his versatility up and down the lineup has been heavily relied on in these early stages of the 2023-24 season. As a forward, Geekie brought a unique blend of skill, physicality, and experience to Boston since arriving via free agency over the offseason. His absence could potentially disrupt the team’s chemistry and performance, particularly as a bottom-six offensive player. So far, in 12 games played this season, the 6′-3″ 202-pound Geekie has contributed 1-2-3 numbers and has a plus/minus rating of +4.
Given Lysell’s impressive performance in Providence, it’s plausible that he could be heavily considered as a potential replacement for Geekie as a third-line player. While their playing styles are distinct, Lysell’s offensive capabilities could provide a new dynamic to the team’s forward line. Moreover, his youthful energy could infuse the Bruins with a fresh spark during this challenging period and, furthermore, could be slotted as high as the second line, getting time with higher-caliber players.
Lysell is a work-in-progress in the Bruins organization, and while his offensive skills are something to be excited about, the defensive side of his game is something he’s worked hard at this season trying to change. Maybe a short recall for Fabian and possibly being put in the right situations in his first cup of coffee in the NHL will give him even more confidence as he continues to develop.
In conclusion, while Fabian Lysell’s call-up to the Boston Bruins is speculative, it’s certainly not out of the question. His potential and performance thus far make him a strong candidate, but the Bruins will need to weigh this against the potential risks and other options available. Only time will tell who will step up to fill Morgan Geekie’s shoes.
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