Bruins at a Crossroads with Fabian Lysell: What’s Next for the 2021 First-Rounder?
When the Boston Bruins used their first-round pick in the 2021 NHL Draft-21st overall-to select Fabian Lysell, the pick raised a few eyebrows. Not because Lysell wasn’t talented, but because many expected him to go earlier. He had first-round flash and top-15 upside, and the Bruins looked like they might’ve gotten a steal.
Fast forward to today, and the situation feels a bit murkier.
Lysell quickly rose up the Bruins’ prospect ranks after being drafted, showing the kind of skill and offensive creativity that made him one of the more intriguing young wingers in the system. He cracked the NHL lineup last season, making his debut in the Spoked-B, and even managed to find the scoresheet. But this year, he’s spent most of his time in the AHL with Providence, and the question is starting to bubble up: where exactly does he fit into Boston’s long-term plans?
AHL Success, NHL Uncertainty
Let’s be clear-Lysell has done just about everything you could ask for at the AHL level this season. In 40 games with Providence, he’s posted 14 goals and 20 assists, good for 34 points and a plus-13 rating. While plus/minus isn't the most telling stat in today’s game, it does hint at the kind of positive impact he’s having when he’s on the ice.
At 5-foot-11 and 186 pounds, Lysell has shown he can handle the physicality of the pro game. He’s quick, he’s shifty, and he’s got the offensive instincts to make plays in tight spaces.
But despite that progress, the NHL opportunities have been limited. He had a brief call-up around Christmas, and then another look after the trade deadline opened up some roster space.
He played 11 more games, scored his first NHL goal, and added two assists. Not a breakout, but certainly not a flop either.
The Logjam in Boston
So why hasn’t Lysell gotten a longer look in Boston?
Part of it comes down to roster construction. Every offseason, Bruins GM Don Sweeney has gone the free-agent route to fill out the NHL lineup, often bringing in veteran forwards who push younger players further down the depth chart. That’s not uncommon in a win-now organization, but it does make it tougher for prospects like Lysell to crack the lineup consistently.
At 23 years old, Lysell is still young-but not that young in hockey development terms. At some point, a player either becomes part of the NHL core or becomes trade capital. And that’s where the Bruins find themselves with Lysell right now: stuck between waiting for the next step or deciding if it’s time to move on.
A Decision Looms
Lysell has reportedly voiced frustration in the past about his role and the lack of NHL opportunity. That’s understandable. He’s earned his stripes in the AHL, and from a development standpoint, he’s likely at the point where more time in Providence won’t do much for his growth.
The Bruins have a decision to make: do they find a way to give Lysell a real shot in Boston, or do they explore moving him in a trade that helps the team in the short term?
This isn’t just about one player-it’s about how Boston handles its pipeline. For years, the Bruins have leaned on veteran talent to stay competitive, and it’s worked.
But eventually, prospects need a path to the NHL. If that path doesn’t exist for Lysell, then the organization needs to be honest about that and act accordingly.
Because if they don’t, they risk losing not just a promising young player-but also the value he still holds.