Undeniable Skill Is Bruins Top Prospect’s Best Attribute

Fabian Lysell was one of the surprising cuts from the Boston Bruins training camp roster ahead of the 2024-25 campaign.

The 2021 first-round pick is a dynamic offensive talent, but the Bruins are looking for Lysell to become a reliable player and build a team game as well.

Providence Bruins head coach Ryan Mougenel saw huge steps in Lysell’s game during the 2023-24 campaign and continues to work with Boston’s top prospect during his time in the AHL.

“The Bruins way is a special way in how we play and what we value,” Mougenel told NESN.com. “We don’t all come from the same pedigree, where we all value different things.”

Mougenel added that the style of hockey in Europe, where Lysell played junior hockey, is very different from the systems the Bruins have in place for their organization.

“In Europe, a huge part of the game is possession and hanging onto pucks,” Mougenel explained. “They don’t chip a lot of pucks in. It’s all about creating off the rush. So some of these concepts when he came here were different and it takes time.”

One thing stands out in Lysell that can’t be reached — natural talent.

“His skill is undeniable,” Mougenel said. “Some of those things that he’s got to get better at, he recognizes and he’s working on it. … I like where he’s trending.”

Providence captain Patrick Brown offers advice to younger prospects like Lysell and Georgii Merkulov to ensure they don’t lose confidence as they continue to improve their game.

“The Bruins drafted, signed or traded for you for a reason. They saw something in your game that they liked, and they chose you. Just remember that. Even though someone beat you out for a job in Boston, the Bruins still chose you. They like what they see.

“You just need to work on that, work on your game, develop your all-around game as a player and as a pro. You keep doing that and things will work out for you. The Bruins already said, ‘We like you.’ So, you just have to keep developing your game.”

Lysell tallied 15 goals and 35 assists in 56 games for Providence last season. The 21-year-old has lit the lamp once in four games this season.