The Boston Bruins have been riding a steady wave this season, largely sticking with a roster that’s kept them competitive in a tough Eastern Conference. Outside of the occasional call-up to plug injury gaps, the lineup has remained mostly intact-and with the team getting healthier as the second half kicks into gear, it’s going to be tough for anyone in Providence to break through unless GM Don Sweeney decides to make some moves at the trade deadline.
That brings us to Fabian Lysell. If you’ve been following the Bruins’ pipeline, you know his name’s been floating around for a while.
The Swedish winger has had his moments in the NHL, but nothing that’s stuck-yet. Still, the noise around him is starting to pick up again, and for good reason.
On Friday night, Lysell delivered a reminder of just how far he’s come this season. With the game on the line in overtime, he finished off a slick give-and-go to net the winner for Providence.
That goal pushed his season totals to 13 goals and 20 assists in 33 games-already just one point shy of last year’s production, and he’s done it in 19 fewer games. That’s not just improvement-it’s a clear sign he’s turning a corner.
So, is it time for another NHL look? It’s tempting.
But the Bruins’ top six is a tough group to crack right now. Viktor Arvidsson and Marat Khusnutdinov have been solid contributors, and head coach Marco Sturm isn’t likely to shake up a lineup that’s working-especially with the team in the playoff hunt.
Lysell’s not dominating the AHL to the point where you have to call him up, but he’s playing well enough to make the conversation interesting. If Boston decides to move Arvidsson at the deadline-an expiring contract and a potential trade chip-that could open the door for Lysell to step in. Until then, it’s a waiting game.
One thing that did catch the eye in that overtime winner? The setup from Dans Locmelis.
The Latvian center made a high-IQ play to find Lysell in stride, and it’s the kind of moment that makes you think he might have a real future in Boston. Locmelis has been quietly putting together a strong season in Providence, showcasing a two-way game that’s maturing fast.
For Lysell, the challenge is no longer just about proving he belongs-it’s about standing out in a deep pool of young talent. The Bruins’ prospect pipeline is as healthy as it’s been in years, and that’s a credit to the front office. Lysell isn’t the only name worth watching anymore, and that’s a great problem for Boston to have.
If he earns another shot and makes it stick, that’s a win. If not, there’s a long line of prospects ready to make their case. Either way, the Bruins are in a good spot-and that’s what matters most.