For Boston Bruins’ top prospect Fabian Lysell, last season’s World Junior Championships tournament was productive. The 2021 first-round pick played seven games with Sweden, registered two goals and four assists, and was tagged as “one of the bright spots” for the Swedes by The Athletic’s Scott Wheeler.
The speedy forward was noticeable on the ice and showed dynamic offensive ability. Fast forward to this year’s tournament, and Lysell had a different experience. Sweden lost to the United States in the Bronze Medal game, which ended a subpar overall performance from Lysell. The talented forward still has tremendous potential, but the 2023 World Juniors showed that more time is needed for development.
In this year’s tournament, the Swedish team played seven games and scored 27 goals, none of which were scored by Lysell, who finished with zero points on just nine shots. The 5-foot-11 right wing was also benched at times during the tournament and played primarily third and fourth-line minutes. And then, in the second period of the Bronze Medal game, the Bruins’ prospect delivered a high hit toward the head of United States forward Kenny Connors, a Los Angeles Kings prospect. Lysell was given a 5-minute match penalty and a game misconduct, ending his tournament.
The 21st overall pick finished the tournament with 29 penalty minutes and a minus-1 rating. Lysell will now head back to the Bruins’ American Hockey League affiliate Providence Bruins, where he has eight goals and 11 assists in 20 games. Last season, the Gothenburg, Sweden native played for the Vancouver Giants of the Western Hockey League, totaled 22-40-62 in 53 games, and sparkled in the playoffs with 4-17-21 in 12 games.
The Bruins are high on the talented winger and will look for Lysell to get back on track when he returns to AHL league play. Look for Fabian Lysell to join the Bruins for their rookie development camp this summer and for the flashy winger to make a case for a roster spot on the NHL club next season.
