The Boston Bruins’ 2024-25 season may be over, but for Fabian Lysell, the journey is far from done. Just days after playing his last game for Boston, he was back in Providence ready to help the P-Bruins push for the Calder Cup.
Lysell has given Bruins fans reason to believe he could be a cornerstone of the franchise’s future with flashes of brilliance in his late season stint in the NHL.
Lysell’s Breakthrough in Boston
When Fabian Lysell was called up to the NHL in March after the trade deadline, he had high expectations, but results didn’t come right away. Over his first 8 games, he didn’t register a point. But instead of getting frustrated, he leaned into what makes him special: his speed and tenacity.
By the end of the season, Lysell had found his groove. In his last 4 games, he had 3 points (1G 2A) and proved his talent could translate to the NHL. His best play came in the season finale against the New Jersey Devils on April 15. Battling veteran defenseman Brenden Dillon for the puck behind the net Lysell wheeled around and fed Marat Khusnutdinov a nice pass to tie the game and send it to overtime.
For a Bruins team that was slow and inconsistent all season Lysell’s energy and playmaking was a bright spot.
What Makes Lysell Special?
Fabian Lysell’s best asset is his speed—a tool that can be used at any level of hockey. According to Providence head coach Ryan Mougenel, recognizing and using that speed has been key to Lysell’s development.
“The one thing for Fabian was he realized—his speed is an asset,” Mougenel said. “It’s an asset at any level he plays. He’s fast, even in the NHL.”
Lysell’s straight line speed allows him to win races to pucks and create scoring chances out of nothing. While his offense hasn’t always translated into points, his work ethic is constant, and he’s always a threat on the ice. As Lysell continues to develop, especially along the boards and in the defensive zone, he’s going to be a more complete player.
A Player Finding His Groove
After struggling to adjust early in his NHL stint, Lysell started to find his rhythm towards the end of the season. Looking back on his growth, he admitted nerves were a factor early, but eventually went away as he got more comfortable.
“The last four games, I felt more comfortable, you know? All the nerves were kind of settling in, and I started to feel normal,” Lysell said. “You’re not trying to rush anything. You’re just trying to stay patient within the game. And yeah, it was fun. A lot of fun.”
His confidence wasn’t lost on the Bruins. Management told him to keep playing smart and work on specific areas of his game, like battling along the boards to keep plays alive. Those little things can make a big difference as he tries to earn a bigger role next year.
Proving Himself in Providence
Lysell wants to start in Boston, but for now, his focus is on helping the Providence Bruins win a Calder Cup. The P-Bruins open their Atlantic Division Semifinals series against the Charlotte Checkers, and Lysell knows this is another chance to prove himself under pressure.
Mougenel thinks stints like Lysell’s recent NHL time can be a motivator moving forward. “Stints like that can go two ways,” Mougenel said. “Sometimes it makes players realize they need to work on a lot of things. And the second part of that is the NHL is a really good league, and it’s a good place to stay, and it makes you hungry.”
If Lysell can channel that hunger into a playoff performance, he’ll only make his case stronger for a spot in Boston’s lineup next fall.
Is Lysell the Answer for Boston?
Boston’s forward group was a major weakness this season, with too many slow skaters who couldn’t score consistently. Lysell gives us a glimpse into how the Bruins can fix that going forward. His speed, skill, and determination bring a dynamic element Boston so desperately needs.
If his finish to the NHL season is any indication, he can carve out a big role for himself in 2025-26. Training camp will be competitive for roster spots, but Lysell seems determined to prove he’s one of the top forwards.
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