"Overall, we're just excited to be back in this type of environment and I think it's really important for all the younger players to take part in," said Bruins general manager Don Sweeney. "It sort of gives them an opportunity to knock the rust off. There were kids that didn't even play hockey last year, so this was really important for our group. [We're] thankful to Buffalo and New Jersey. Buffalo did a nice job hosting things and now we're sort of underway."
The Bruins had a few players on the roster this weekend that made their NHL debuts last season, including defenseman Jack Ahcan. The Savage, Minnesota, native spent most of last season in Providence and led all P-Bruins defensemen with nine assists.
"It's funny because Jack made a comment yesterday like, 'I really needed this,'" said Sweeney. "He didn't get this opportunity last year despite the fact that he played all those games and a couple games in the NHL. You could see where he's ahead of things from a standpoint of being ready to play in some games.
"We're looking forward to main camp and exhibitions for Jack, it's important to recognize the work he's put in in the offseason and hopefully it translates. He's off to a good start. You can easily see where these guys lean on him. They have him in in all situations and he's confident in his own game."
A player that many had their eyes on this weekend was Boston's 2021 first round draft selection, Fabian Lysell. The 18-year-old scored an empty net goal in Saturday's contest and added an assist on Sunday.
"Exciting to see him today get even more comfortable, seeing him really in the open ice and being able to create offensively," said Sweeney. "He's got a skillset that's pretty unique for us to be adding to our group and to be excited about."
Sweeney confirmed on Sunday that Lysell will likely spend the 2021-22 season with the WHL's Vancouver Giants.
"In all likelihood, Fabian will play in Vancouver," said Sweeney. "It will be important for him to play against kids in his peer group. We're excited that he's going to play over here and we do believe the transition to the smaller ice surface, especially with young guys, they have to play in the hard areas of the ice in order to be successful. He's more than willing to do that, but he's got to find his space."
With the 2021 Prospects Challenge completed, the next event on the Bruins calendar is Training Camp. Boston will head into camp with a healthy group and some hockey operations staff taking on new responsibilities with the departure of Executive Director of Player Personnel John Ferguson, Jr.
"[Scout] Dennis Bonvie will take on a little more of the head scouting role and [Director of Player Development] Jamie [Langenbrunner] and [Assistant GM] Evan [Gold] will work in conjunction and handle most of the Providence duties," said Sweeney. "We'll see where we're at. We'll probably add somebody at some point in time to complement our group, but some of these guys have been looking to do more and it's a great opportunity for them."
As for the start of Training Camp, the Bruins are ready to get to Warrior Ice Arena and begin preparations for the season. Sweeney said the club - both players and staff - will be 100 percent vaccinated to start the season.
"We're excited about getting the main group together and this group can start the whole process," said Sweeney. "Hopefully between now and then we're in good shape. Charlie Coyle may have a little bit of limitation the first week of camp. The rest of the guys are all good to go, as far as I understand."
