Top Bruins prospect will get an opportunity to 'push for an NHL job'
The Bruins were aggressive to open NHL free agency, adding center Elias Lindholm and defenseman Nikita Zadorov. Boston also added six other players, including Max Jones, to round out the depth of the roster.
In addition to the new faces that’ll be introduced to the organization, the Bruins will also give many of their prospects in Providence an opportunity to make the roster. This includes top prospects Fabian Lysell, Georgii Merkulov, and Riley Duran.
Lysell has yet to make his NHL debut due to dealing with injuries, including two concussions, that have set back his development in the minors.
Providence Bruins head coach Ryan Mougenel believes the 21-year-old will “make a push” to earn a spot on the NHL roster this summer.
“I think he’s going to push (for an NHL job). He’s a super proud kid. He works, he’s inquisitive, wants to learn,” Mougenel told reporters Wednesday after Day 3 of Bruins development camp at Warrior Ice Arena. “For Fabian, the one thing we want... we want him to play free. I think that’s real important for Fabian, especially in training camp. We don’t want him to try and push it too hard. Just let his skill speak for itself and enjoy the process. He’s so way ahead of where we all probably think he should be. But we’re very comfortable with his growth, his production, and him becoming a more mature player.”
Mougenel’s comments are in line with player development coordinator Adam McQuaid’s comments from Tuesday.
“He doesn’t need to necessarily set the world on fire,” McQuaid said. “Just come in here as a reliable player and create opportunities when they’re there.”
McQuaid continued: “For Fabian to just come in and be confident and not have to overcomplicate things, He’s skilled. He’s capable. He doesn’t need to necessarily set the world on fire. Just come in here as a reliable player and create opportunities when they’re there.”
Lysell was nearly a point-per-game forward last season in Providence. He amassed 50 points (15 goals, 35 assists) in 56 games.
With the team losing Jake DeBrusk to the Canucks, the Bruins have a glaring hole on their second line. Unless he impresses in camp, asking Lysell to make the jump from the AHL to the Bruins second line is a massive leap. Boston could move Morgan Geekie to the Charlie Coyle line and let Lysell work alongside Matthew Poitras and Trent Frederic.
As Lysell enters his third professional season, the former first round pick offers top-six upside for the Bruins offense, health permitting.
