By: Kenny Kaminsky | Follow me on Twitter/X @KennyKaminsky
Since being selected 21st overall in the 2021 National Hockey League Entry Draft, fans have eagerly anticipated the arrival of top prospect Fabian Lysell. The Swedish winger excelled during the COVID-shortened season, securing a spot as an under-aged player in the Swedish Hockey League.
After the draft, Lysell joined the Western Hockey League’s Vancouver Giants to understand the North American game better. He thrived with the Giants, scoring 62 points in 53 games. His performance was impressive, but he truly captivated the hockey world during the playoffs, where he recorded 21 points in just 12 games. This outstanding showing earned him a professional contract with the Boston Bruins.
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Since joining the Providence Bruins, Lysell has exceeded expectations. During the 2022-2023 season, the five-foot-eleven winger recorded 37 points in 54 games, which was quite impressive for his first professional season in North America. The following season, 2023-2024, was even better for the young player, who achieved 50 points in 56 games.
Unfortunately, Fabian suffered an injury just as Bruins management was considering a call-up for him. Everyone within the organization had high hopes for the 180-pound winger as he entered training camp. The team even exempted the Swede from the Prospects Challenge in Buffalo, New York, allowing him to better prepare for the demands of NHL training camp.
There was a great deal of hope surrounding Lysell after the positive reviews from those who attended the early days of camp. His speed and skill were evident, and when paired with talented linemates, he elevated the game to a whole new level. As a result, fans eagerly anticipated his first preseason game with the team.
The first preseason game occurred at TD Garden in Boston, where the Bruins unfortunately lost. The top prospects, however, did not perform as expected. Fans described Georgii Merkulov and Fabian Lysell as lacking presence on the ice, but many attributed this to nervousness. The second game against the Washington Capitals showed a marked improvement.
Lysell, in particular, showcased his speed and powerful shot, scoring a goal on the power play against former American Hockey League Goalie of the Year, Hunter Shepard. Fans celebrated this performance on social media, rallying behind their emerging young star. Unfortunately, this would be his best game of the preseason.
Fabian was scratched for the upcoming game in New York against the Rangers, which sparked outrage among fans. However, giving the young player a break was a good decision. In the following game against the Flyers, Lysell demonstrated flashes of brilliance, making incredible plays but failing to get on the scoresheet.
Despite his impressive performances with the team, he was sent down to the Providence Bruins training camp, much to the dismay of fans. He was later recalled for the final two preseason games against the Los Angeles Kings and the Washington Capitals. Still, he struggled during those games, ultimately leading to his demotion from Boston.
Lysell had a rocky start to his season in Providence; he was primarily inconsistent and transparent. Fabain has a huge turnover problem, sometimes making the most egregious plays. His confidence looked shot, and opportunities for call-ups were passing him by as Boston opted to call up players like Patrick Brown, Jordan Oesterle, Georgii Merkulov, and Marc McLaughlin before Lysell. Another emerging issue was his penalties; the Swede was taking frustration penalties, which cost the team considerably early in the season.
The Gothenburg native has been performing well recently, scoring four points in his last five games. He appears much more confident when attacking the net and uses his speed to keep defenders on their toes. Fabain is gripping his stick more loosely now, indicating that the game has slowed down for him again, showcasing his previous success. With the struggles in Boston, there may be an opportunity for Lysell to be called up, and fans are eager to see that happen.
Currently, I am split on this issue. I wouldn’t oppose calling him up if the opportunity arises, provided he continues to perform well. There are better options, such as Georgii Merkulov and Vinni Lettieri, but Lysell has been impressive and deserves a chance with the big club. My main concern is his turnovers, which still need to improve despite his fantastic play.
Also, Fabian is lingering around half a point per game, which is alarming. Another worry is that if he experiences a few poor games, the fans might turn on him, potentially damaging his confidence again. Don Sweeney needs to be utterly confident that Lysell is ready before making a final decision.
The season is still in its early stages, and the Boston Bruins should not rush Fabian Lysell into the NHL. With the team’s recent improvements in performance, the opportunity for a call-up may have already passed. There are still many questions about the 2021 first-rounder and his fit within the team, but if he continues to play exceptionally well, he will likely get his chance soon enough.
You seem to be worried about Turnovers from Lysell, have you at any time since 2014 looked up the Turnovers from either David Pastrnak or Brad Marchand?? Marchand was not bad for turnovers untill the Arrival of #88 on the scene in Boston, and has since been Equally as bad as everybody’s “Hero” David – “The giveaway machine” Pastrnak. Also, check out the giveaways by Boston’s top 2 defensemen, Charlie McAvoy and Hampus Lindholm, who have more than their share as well. And not to leave out Rookie Mason Lohrei, who only played a total of 26 games in Providence, Which by the way, is also the same amount of games that the aforementioned #88 also played in the AHL, and is very new to the Defensive position as well, he has been terrible at giveaways also. And if you didn’t have a chance to watch Lysell play in Vancouver, maybe you should go back to the game highlights late in 2022 season as well as the Playoffs that year where the 8th seeded Vancouver Giants took out the TOP seeded team and almost did the same with the 2nd highest seed, who finished with 100 and 99 points that year, while Vancouver finished with 58 points, because i watched those games and i was very impressed.