Scott Wheeler of The Athletic has compiled a list of the Top 100 NHL prospects heading into the 2024-25 season, and the Boston Bruins are represented by one of their young organizational talents at number 88. Talented forward Fabian Lysell, a 2021 first-round draft pick, is still considered Boston’s best prospect after a season with the Providence Bruins that included 15 goals and 35 assists. However, the area of improvement that has caused optimism with training camp two months away is Lysell’s improved defensive game, which was lauded by Providence Head Coach Ryan Mougenel at the end of last season.
Fabian Lysell Stats & Salary Cap
Wheeler slots Lysell at the 88th spot due to the following evaluation: “He’s a free-flowing skater with rare top speed and agility with the puck on his stick (one of those players who seems to get faster with the puck on his stick). He’s not a one-trick pony, either,” Wheeler wrote. “The highlight pack is about the end-to-end rushes and the dashes through holes in coverage, for sure. But he can also dance a defender by pulling pucks through his wide stance and across his body to beat them with not just a lateral cut but his hands. He can also dance defenders to the outside with his high-end top speed or a quick change of pace. He’s got cuts, stops and starts, and directional changes. While his shot isn’t powerful per se, it’s deceptive off the blade and accurate.”
The Bruins’ prospect pool has been among the worst in the NHL for a few years now and has taken a further hit with the advancement of Mason Lohrei, Matt Poitras, and John Beecher to the big club. The 21-year-old Lysell and 24-year-old center Georgii Merkulov lead the next youth movement for Boston, and after that, the talent pool gets thin quickly. The Bruins have been without multiple first-round picks in recent years due to their desire to win another Stanley Cup, but Boston reacquired their first-round pick in the 2024 NHL Draft to choose 6-foot-7 center Dean Letourneau.
However, it will take some time for Boston to replenish their farm system, and Lysell and Merkulov should compete for roster spots as early as this fall, leaving the Bruins with an even weaker group of young players.
Season 4. Episode 39. The Off Season – Bruins Benders Podcast
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