Lysell Ready to Learn at Rookie Camp

BOSTON - Fabian Lysell is using this week to learn.
While the Bruins' 2021 first-round pick boasts plenty of raw ability, he knows there is also ample room for improvement - both on and off the ice - as he begins his first Rookie Camp with the Black & Gold.

"To be honest, I need everything," Lysell said on Wednesday afternoon following the first skate of camp at Warrior Ice Arena. "I think I've definitely got to put on some weight, just try to be better with everything, especially the things I'm good at. I feel like that's the thing that separates you.
"I want to be the player that I want to be in the NHL as well. I want to be an offensive guy. Got to work on my strengths there, be a faster skater, better stick handling, better hockey IQ…better shot. I think it's gonna come with time."
Lysell, drafted by the Bruins with the 21st overall pick in last June's NHL Entry Draft, is getting his first taste of North American hockey after spending the entirety of his young career in his native Sweden. The 18-year-old played 22 games with Vastra Frolunda Jr. over the past two seasons before making the jump to Lulea HF of the Swedish Hockey League for 26 games (2-1-3) to close out the 2020-21 campaign.
"It's just a big honor to be here, first and foremost," said Lysell. "From there, I'll just try to acclimate myself to this level and this rink and try to be curious and learn new stuff every day and then we'll take it from there. Kind of open for everything right now, but definitely looking forward to what comes here."

The Bruins, likewise, are quite eager to see what's in store for the skilled, right-shot winger, who quickly made an impression on the club's coaching staff during Wednesday's skate.
"The second he stepped on the ice he has a presence to him," said Providence Bruins coach Ryan Mougenel. "He can skate. Obviously, he's got a great skillset…the beauty for him is he's come to an organization where the leadership group is so strong and he's got a lot of resources here to lean on, which is important for a young player.
"He's only a 2003 [birth date]. Sometimes when you're thrown into the mix like that, we forget…we get excited about the player. But I think the message for Fabian is just take as much in as you can, be inquisitive."
Lysell signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the Bruins in August, though it has not yet been decided where he will play during the upcoming season.
"It's not really 100 percent where I'm going to play. I feel like I have some options that are great," said Lysell. "I've been in Vancouver for two days and I was visiting the team I was drafted by there, the Giants in the WHL. I think that's an option for me.
"I guess we will kind of take these two games in the rookie tournament and after that we'll see what comes from that. Right now, I'm just focusing on being here and trying to learn the city."

Back in Town

It's been almost two years since Jakub Lauko took the ice at Warrior Ice Arena.
With the COVID-19 pandemic causing the B's to scrap Development Camp in 2020 and limit training camp ahead of the 2020-21 season, the 21-year-old is finally back in Boston and ready to take the next step in his development.
"My expectation for this weekend is get two good games before the main camp," said Lauko. "That's what I'm looking forward to, to get into the right tempo and hopefully it's gonna help for the main camp."
"Obviously, the Bruins roster is pretty packed up," Lauko added when asked whether he thinks there is an opportunity for him to break camp with the big club. "A lot of good players on offense. Just try to fight for opportunity and I'll do my best to stay here as long as possible"
After injuries limited him to just 22 games with the P-Bruins in 2019-20 - his first professional season - Lauko began last season with Karlovy Vary HC in his native Czech Republic before returning to Providence once the abbreviated season kicked off in January.
In 23 games with the P-Bruins, the 2018 third-round pick notched 19 points (5 goals, 14 assists).
"I think every time he steps on the ice something happens," said Mougenel. "He's had a ton of growth - first as a person. He was a young pro coming into a men's league and he's definitely put the time in, his growth as a player and a person."
Mougenel added that he's been impressed with how far Lauko has come despite limited experience at the pro level.
"I think he's really gonna push," said Mougenel. "I think he's the type of player that Butch Cassidy likes. He's got some abrasiveness that really kind of showed up last year, along with his skill package.
"He's the real deal. We're very happy with how he's come along. Special kid. Tons of energy. Just an exciting kid to be around."

Heading West

After seven years in the Bruins organization, Executive Director of Player Personnel John Ferguson has been hired by the Arizona Coyotes to be their assistant general manager. The Montreal native also served as the general manager of the Providence Bruins for the past five years.