By: Ryan Jainchill | Follow me on Twitter / X @Jainchill_Ryan
The Providence Bruins are getting reinforcements ahead of their 2024-25 Calder Cup Playoff push. Forwards Fraser Minten, Fabian Lysell, Vinni Lettieri, John Farinacci and defenseman Frederic Brunet were all assigned back to Providence after ending the regular season with Boston. In addition, defenseman Ian Mitchell has been placed on waivers for assignment to Providence. These players will aid the P-Bruins as they close out their final two regular season games and begin postseason play.
Minten, who made his Providence debut on March 12 after being acquired from Toronto at the NHL Trade Deadline, has a stat line of 9-11-20 in 36 AHL games. Since coming over in the trade, he has seven points in 10 games for the P-Bruins, including a hat trick against Springfield on March 16. Minten debuted in Boston on April 5, scoring one goal in six games. His return to Providence should bolster their center depth and aid their special teams’ play.
Lysell has spent the last month with Boston, scoring 1-2-3 in 12 games. Before his call-up, the 22-year-old Swede had 11-23-34 in 51 games and was a key cog in their strong season. As a dynamic and speedy forward, the former 2021 21st overall selection brings a notable offensive push to the P-Bruins’ top six. Lysell impressed in Boston and should be able to carry that experience back to Providence as they push for the Calder Cup.
Lettieri is producing over a point-per-game in Providence this season, scoring 20-28-48 in 46 games. His 20 goals tie him for second on the team with forward Riley Tufte and mark his fifth 20-goal campaign in the AHL. Lettieri appeared in 26 games in Boston this season, recording a 3-2-5 line. His scoring ability at the AHL level is impressive and, like Lysell, adds another dynamic offensive weapon to the top six. His skill and veteran leadership are evident and should help Providence come playoff time.
Farinacci, who scored in his NHL debut last night for Boston, has 9-28-37 in 57 games for Providence. The former Harvard captain is essential in the P-Bruins bottom-nine as he can play in any situation. In last year’s playoffs for Providence, Farinacci had a goal and an assist in the four-game loss to Hartford. After impressing in his NHL debut, his return to the AHL bodes well for the 24-year-old forward ahead of this season’s postseason push.
Brunet, like Farinacci, made his NHL debut last night. While he was held off the scoresheet, his puck-moving ability was on display. The 21-year-old defenseman has jumped in his second full season with Providence, scoring 5-19-24 in 68 games after 12 points in 48 games last season. After earning a call-up for Boston’s final game, his return to Providence slots him back into the top four and gives the team a dynamic offensive defenseman.
Mitchell, who is on waivers, has 23 points in 27 games for Providence. After injuries to two key defensemen in Boston, the 26-year-old recorded an assist in 15 games for the NHL club. Mitchell has not appeared in a game for Providence since February, but barring a waiver claim, his return to the top four is welcomed. As an offensive defenseman, his skillset gives the P-Bruins another weapon in the offensive zone and a power-play quarterback, something he did at times in Boston.
Providence finishes their regular season campaign with an away matchup against Wilkes/Barre Scranton tonight and a home game against Bridgeport on Saturday. If the playoffs were to begin today, Providence would be the fourth seed and take on fifth-seeded Lehigh Valley.
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