Boston Bruins Top Pick Lysell ‘Has A Presence To Him’

BRIGHTON, Mass – After plenty of scouting reports and highlight videos on social media, the Boston Bruins got their first extended look at 2021 first round pick Fabian Lysell during Wednesday’s opening day of Bruins rookie camp at Warrior Ice Arena.

The 18-year-old Swede certainly looked a little nervous during drills and it appears he’s going to need some development time before he’s ready for the NHL, but there was also no denying the things that made Lysell a first round pick.

Boston Bruins first round pick Fabian Lysell (No. 68) in the house at Bruins Rookie Camp today pic.twitter.com/69ifWBAul6

— Joe Haggerty (@HackswithHaggs) September 15, 2021

In other words, the young Swedish teenager doesn’t look like another David Pastrnak, who dazzled from the minute he stepped on the ice before pushing his way onto the NHL team as the youngest player in the NHL during that 2014-15 season.

Lysell moved around with dazzling agility and speed, though, and displayed the ability to gear up with a skating speed that really can’t be taught. And it’s clear Lysell himself is feeling his way through with barely any pro games in Sweden on his resume at this point, and a big adjustment to the North American rinks in store for him as well.

“It’s just a big honor to be here, first and foremost. I’ll just try to acclimate myself to this level and this [North American] rink and try to be curious and learn new stuff every day,” said Lysell, who is likely to be headed to the WHL and the Vancouver Giants for this season unless he really explodes during the Prospects Challenge in Buffalo. “I’m kind of open to everything right now and looking forward to everything that comes here.

“I’ve been working hard over the summer, especially off the ice, and I feel like I’m getting faster and stronger. I’m definitely trying to put that into game situations now and see where that takes me.”

Certainly, the Boston Bruins coaching staff working with the rookies and prospects took notice of No. 68 in his first day with the Black and Gold.

“The beauty for [Lysell] is that he’s coming to an organization where the leadership group is so strong. He’s got a lot of resources to lean on, which is really good for such a young player. The message to Fabian is to take as much in as he can and to be inquisitive,” said P-Bruins head coach Ryan Mougenel. “There are a lot of great hockey minds around here to share [information]. There are a lot of tools and there are a lot of resources that players will use to get better.

“It’s tough when you’re a young player and it’s not in your DNA to be inquisitive. But that’s a message that’s been sent to him: You know, ask questions and rub shoulders with some of these people that know what goes into being a pro. Take it day by day and see where it goes and keep investing in yourself.”

As for what Mougenel saw on the ice from Lysell?

“We do homework as coaches to see what we have and obviously all of the reports [on Lysell] are glowing about him as a player,” said Mougenel. “But he’s a 2003 [birth date] and for me I’m excited about his growth.

“The second [Lysell] stepped on the ice, he has a presence to him. And he can skate. Obviously, he’s got a great skill set. With a lot of these young players coming up it’s very evident that they are very skilled. It’s just exciting to be around and watch. My perception is pretty much on par with what I’d heard, so I’m excited about that for him and be along for the first part of his journey.”

There is clearly excitement among the Bruins player development ranks with some of the skilled, fast young prospects just now entering the B’s system, and Lysell sits atop that list as the poster boy for the fast, skilled and exciting Boston Bruins prospects. Now is his first and only chance to make a distinct first impression with a Black and Gold organization that looking forward to a bright future with the talented young Swede.