By Kenny Kaminsky | Follow me on Twitter / X @KennyKaminsky
When the Boston Bruins selected forward Fabian Lysell with the 21st pick in the 2021 National Hockey League Entry Draft, they saw more than just a promising player. The Gothenburg, Sweden native had already shown his potential by dominating the Swedish Junior Hockey League with Vastra Frolunda, posting 13 points in 11 games as an underage player, earning a call-up to the Swedish Hockey League with Lulea HF. Despite being a work in progress, the 5-foot-11 forward’s intangibles made his potential very high.
During the 2021-22 season, Fabian decided to use his talents on a smaller sheet of ice as he tried to get used to the North American style of play. The Vancouver Giants drafted him in the CHL Import Draft, and he decided to take them up on the offer. The 181-pound winger had an incredible season in all areas and even demonstrated his skills on the world stage. He finished with six points in seven games en route to winning a Bronze Medal with Sweden as an underage.
Lysell would have a solid finish to his season in Vancouver, potting 63 points in 53 games. This effort would be enough for Boston Bruins General Manager Don Sweeney to officially offer him a contract to join the organization. The 2022-23 season for the Swedish winger would be a step in the right direction, as he had 37 points in 54 games with the Baby Bruins. This performance increased the level of interest from fans, but it was clear to management that Fabian would need a little more time to unlock his full potential.
The anticipation for Lysell’s debut with the Boston Bruins grew as the past season unfolded. However, a setback occurred when the Vastra Frolunda product was injured when the team was considering a call-up. Despite this, everyone’s hopes remained high. Lysell would have another fantastic season in the American Hockey League, tallying 50 points in 56 games. Fans and staff felt they had seen enough to project him making the Boston Bruins opening night roster for the 2024-25 season.
Following a massive offseason in which the Bruins spent a lot of money bolstering their roster, the organization told Fabian not to report to the Prospects Challenge so he could focus on the demands of NHL training camp. All signs pointed towards Lysell locking up that second-line winger position that was a question mark for the Bruins going into the season.
After hearing good things about training camp, fans anxiously awaited seeing the Swedish forward in action. Lysell’s first preseason game was concerning. He was transparent on the ice and did not make a notable play all game. The second preseason game was his best, restoring hope in the Bruins fans. The 5-foot-11, 181-pounder looked like he belonged, flashing his speed and creating opportunities for himself and his teammates. He has a beautiful shot on the powerplay, going top shelf and beating AHL Goalie of the Year Hunter Shepard.
After a game off, Lysell was back at it against Philadelphia. He did not register a point, but fans felt he played well enough to warrant another look from the Bruins’ front office. So, fans were outraged to see the Gothenburg native on the list of initial cuts from Bruins training camp. He would be called up to play in the preseason game in Quebec City against the Los Angeles Kings. He had yet another transparent game, which would be the nail in the coffin for his hopes of starting the year in Boston.
With Boston having glaring issues at that second-line wing spot, fans are calling for the call-up of Fabian Lysell. However, he has had a plodding start to the season. The Vancouver Giants’ product has been visible on the ice for all the wrong reasons. Through the season’s first two games, Lysell has contributed nothing offensively, not even being on the ice for any of the five goals the Baby Bruins scored this past weekend. He has also struggled defensively, having a -3 plus/minus. He has the second-lowest plus/minus on the team.
Despite the sluggish start, I still have high hopes for Lysell. Line combinations are changing game by game as Coach Ryan Mougenel tries to find the best fit. Coach Mougenel hit a home run by pairing Vinni Lettieri and Georgii Merkulov, who have complemented each other’s games well, leading to both players being tied for second on the team with points. When Coach Mougenel finds the perfect fit for Fabian, fans can expect another 50+ point season out of the Swedish winger. Is he ready for the NHL yet? I would lean towards no, but once he starts producing again, I would not be surprised if he gets his chance if the Bruins’s middle six if Boston’s offensive woes persist.
Leave a Reply