Fabian Lysell is close to an NHL debut, and will make a case to crack the Bruins roster this year out of training camp.
Boston’s top prospect has dealt with injuries — including two concussions — that have set him back in his development. But Lysell continues to work toward the ultimate goal: being a part of the 2024-25 Bruins team.
Providence coach Ryan Mougenel, who’s worked with Lysell since he came into the AHL, believes the 21-year-old will “make a push” to earn a spot on the NHL roster.
“I think he’s going to push (for an NHL job). He’s a super proud kid. He works, he’s inquisitive, wants to learn,” Mougenel told reporters Wednesday after Day 3 of Bruins development camp at Warrior Ice Arena. “For Fabian, the one thing we want … we want him to play free. I think that’s real important for Fabian, especially in training camp. We don’t want him to try and push it too hard. Just let his skill speak for itself and enjoy the process. He’s so way ahead of where we all probably think he should be. But we’re very comfortable with his growth, his production, and him becoming a more mature player.”
Mougenel’s comments essentially line up with what player development coordinator Adam McQuaid said on Tuesday.
“He doesn’t need to necessarily set the world on fire,” McQuaid said. “Just come in here as a reliable player and create opportunities when they’re there.”
With the Bruins losing Jake DeBrusk and a handful of depth forwards in free agency, Lysell has a decent chance to make the roster so long as he has a strong camp. The 2021 first-round draft pick was part of the later rounds of roster cuts last year, and general manager Don Sweeney admitted Lysell likely would have gotten a look if it hadn’t been for the injury he suffered toward the end of last season.
