I think for some, they are eerily reminded of another first round pick by the name of Zach Senyshyn from, as you well know, the 2015 NHL Entry Draft. Actually, I don’t think, I know since some have actually come out and said it. While there is one similarity, the skating, there are some differences, namely the path taken.
While Senyshyn was fast, Fabian Lysell is faster. And Lysell can do more with the puck. But I want to start by focusing on the path.
Senyshyn was never supposed to be a first-round pick. Not by any standard. We all know that. Senyshyn went on to play two more seasons of junior hockey with the Sault Ste Marie Greyhounds of the OHL after being drafted. Lysell was loaned by the Bruins to the Vancouver Giants of the WHL and played just one season of junior hockey before turning professional with the Providence Bruins.
Lysell’s one AHL season, 54GP – 14G-23A-37PTS – tops any of the eight AHL seasons Senyshyn had with his best being his fifth season, 51GP – 19G – 12A – 31PTS.
Another thing I am seeing is a small handful of fans stating Lysell has had or may have character issues. There was never any confirmation from anyone that his character was an issue. I think those fans believe asking for a trade in Sweden’s junior league from Frolunda and ultimately landing in Lulea is seen as a character issue.
Lysell had every right to ask for a trade to further develop and to get a chance to play pro hockey in Sweden. For what it’s worth, Casper Nassen is skating for the same Frolunda squad Lysell did and his development has slowed so much after his move to Frolunda that he will be hard pressed to match his production of a year ago with Vasteras. Dans Locmelis skated for the same Lulea squad Lysell moved to after Lysell’s trade request. That may sound like a knock on Frolunda and their development, and maybe it is, but it was the right call for Lysell at the time.
General Manager Don Sweeney put to rest (for most) any concerns in his media availability following the 2021 draft. Sweeney said:” We have a player that played a long time with the Boston Bruins in P.J. Axelsson that is in Sweden and was in the hometown of Lysell. There’s growing up to be done for all young men and women and Fabian is no different in the regard. He’s made some real steps.”
Which brings up another issue some fans regard as a problem: Maturity, or lack of it.
Again, let’s turn to Sweeney’s words: “We challenged Lysell in all the interview process in terms of how his maturity and such was progressing and felt satisfied that again, he’s made a lot of strides from growing into a young man and beyond. We’re aware of the challenges that he’s presented in certain situations that he might not have handled as well as he could, and he’s grown from it and will be a better person overall from it.”
I think some are taking Sweeney’s words from 16 months ago and believe it is still an issue. The fact is that there are less than a handful of people reading this that spend enough time with Lysell to know where he stands with his maturity level. I tend to trust Sweeney over anyone making assumptions every day of the week.
And the final thing I’m seeing is that his lack of effort will prevent him from playing in the NHL. I will readily admit that during last summer’s World Junior Championships I questioned his work ethic. But I had, and again less than a handful of people reading this had the data to back it up. His skating speed lacked when challenged with having to come back to defend, and as the tournament progressed and he was still pointless, his overall skating speed dragged behind what he is capable of. Social media was not kind to me that day. But what I also said was that he was too talented and skilled to not overcome it – eventually.
I’m not making excuses for Lysell but you can’t deny that a year ago he played a lot of hockey. You also can’t deny that injuries slowed him down and you can’t deny the concussion that knocked him out of the playoffs also hindered his offseason workouts which in turn led to a slow start this season. Those are just simple facts.
But we live in a fast-food mentality world that wants everything right away. Not everyone can come in like Matthew Poitras did. We are impatient and waiting is not an option. But everyone develops at a different pace.
In fairness, most of the things I’ve mentioned were from early last week. I wonder what those same fans are thinking now that Lysell has been Providence’s best player over the last three games and after his slow start has taken over the team’s scoring lead.
It’s taking a little bit longer than some of you wanted. But I have no doubt he will get there.
Be patient.
Dom - Hockey 
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