Welcome to the 2021 Top Shelf Prospects series. As we go through the Summer of 2021 LWOH will be featuring a team-by-team look at the top prospects in the NHL. You can find all the articles here. Since we had an extensive NHL Draft preview, we will not be reviewing the players who were drafted in the 2021 draft, as there have been no games since then, and our reports on them will not have changed. Today, we look at the 2021 Boston Bruins Prospects.
What we will be doing is linking you to those articles, as well as taking a look at prospects that were acquired before this year’s draft; their progress, and their chances of making the 2021-22 roster of the NHL team in question. We will also bring you one sleeper pick – a player who was either drafted in the 4th-round or later, or was an undrafted free agent signing who we pick as our dark horse to make the NHL. For those wondering, the cut-off for what is or isn’t a prospect is typically about 50 NHL games played (including playoff games) or is 25 years old. These are not hard or fast rules though, and we may make some exceptions depending on the circumstances.
2021 Boston Bruins Prospects
Bruins Season and Off-Season
The Bruins had another solid regular season, finishing third with 73 points in 56 games in the East Division. They beat the Washington Capitals in the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs before ultimately falling to the New York Islanders. Along the way, they added Taylor Hall in a trade-deadline blockbuster, and then signed him to a contract extension.
The Bruins would take heavy losses in the off-season though. Long-time second-line centre David Krejci has returned to the Czech Republic. Goaltender Tuukka Rask remains a free agent after an off-season hip surgery that keeps him out for several months. Young defender Jeremy Lauzon was lost to the expansion draft. Kevan Miller retired. Meanwhile, free agents Nick Ritchie, Steven Kampfer, Ondrej Kase, Jarred Tinordi, Sean Kuraly, and Jaroslav Halak all found work elsewhere. Additions to the Bruins lineup include Nick Foligno, Erik Haula, Linus Ullmark, Tomas Nosek, and Derek Forbort.
2021 NHL Draft Picks (B+): Fabian Lysell, Brett Harrison, Philip Svedeback, Oskar Jellvik, Ryan Mast, Andre Gasseau, Ty Gallagher
Graduations: Trent Frederic, Daniel Vladar (traded), Jeremy Lauzon (expansion)
Top Boston Bruins Prospect: Fabian Lysell
The Bruins drafted Lysell with the 21st overall pick in this year’s NHL draft. Prior to the draft, we did an in-depth scouting report on Lysell. As there has not been a significant sample size of games that have been played since that report; we will not repeat it. You can check out the report here.
#2 Bruins Prospect: Jack Studnicka
Centre — shoots Right
Born February 18th, 1999 — Windsor, Ontario
Height 6’1″ — Weight 171 lbs [185 cm/78 kg]
Drafted by the Boston Bruins in the 2nd round, #53 overall, at the 2017 NHL Entry Draft
Studnicka played 20 games for the Bruins last year. He picked up his first NHL goal and had three points overall. He also played 11 games for Providence putting up seven points. Studnicka has shown offence at the AHL level, including 49 points in 60 games in 2019-20, but that hasn’t yet translated at the NHL level.
Skating
Studnicka has taken some big steps in improving his skating but can still work on some things. He has average top-end speed but lacks the ability to really separate from opponents. He can keep up with the play though. There are some issues in his first step though, and he needs to continue to work on his acceleration. Studnicka is better at getting in quickly on a forecheck, or on using his speed off the rush than he is at tracking down loose pucks or making short bursts in the offensive and defensive zone. He has good agility and edgework, as well as the power to fight through checks and get to the net. Studnicka still needs to be a bit stronger as well. This would help him in battling along the boards and in front of the net.
Offensive Game
Studnicka is a very smart player. He is a strong playmaker. Studnicka has excellent vision and is able to make tough passes to teammates. He moves the puck smartly, putting it in good spaces where a linemate can race onto it if he doesn’t have another play. He is a decent stick handler who protects the puck well down low and in the cycle game. The ability to protect the puck and extend plays allows his teammates time to get open. When they do, he can make a quick move to open up a passing lane and set them up for a scoring chance.
Studnicka can also score goals. He has a good wrist shot, with power and accuracy. He could stand to work on his release though. Studnicka used his shot a little more often this season, which helped him to keep defences off-balance and gave him more room to operate. He gets himself open for shots by finding soft spots in the defence, and finishing passes from teammates.
Studnicka is willing to get to the net and battle in the corners. He is not afraid to play in the dirty areas of the ice or to take a hit to make a play. However, Studnicka needs to bulk up to continue to play this game at the pro level.
Defensive Game
Studnicka has a well-developed defensive game. He kills penalties, anticipating plays and cutting down passing lanes. He has a strong positional game and is not afraid to block shots. Studnicka shows his grit in all three zones, battling for position and winning loose pucks. He is also very good in the face-off circle for a young player.
Outlook
With Krejci gone, there is an opportunity for Studnicka to take a job in the Bruins top-nine this season. He will need a good training camp and prove that he can bring his offence from the AHL to the NHL level. The Bruins hope that Studnicka eventually takes over as the pivot on one of their top two lines. He is clearly going to be an NHL player but the ultimate upside remains a question mark.
#3 Prospect: Jeremy Swayman
Goaltender — shoots Left
Born November 24th, 1998 — Anchorage, Alaska
Height 6’2″ — Weight 187 lbs [188 cm/85 kg]
Drafted by the Boston Bruins in the 4th round, #111 overall, at the 2017 NHL Entry Draft.
Swayman had an outstanding season. He started in the AHL, putting up an 8-1-0 record with a 1.89 goals-against-average, .933 save percentage and one shutout. When injuries hit the Bruins goaltending group, Swayman came to the rescue. In 10 regular-season games, he put up a 7-3-0 record with a 1.50 goals-against-average, .945 save percentage, and two shutouts. Things didn’t go quite as well in the playoffs as he struggled in his only appearance.
Skating and Talent Analysis
At 6-foot-2, Swayman has decent size but might be considered on the smaller side of modern NHL goalie prospects. His technique is very strong though, and this really sets him apart from most other young goalies. He gets out of his net and cuts down angles, giving shooters little to shoot at. Swayman is a good skater, he can get back to his net quickly if a forward tries to deke him. He also tracks the puck very well, as he is almost always in the right position. However, he could use some work on his side-to-side push and get a little quicker moving from one side of the net to the other.
Swayman has strong legs. He gets in and out of the butterfly quickly, effectively taking away the bottom of the net. He is also advanced in his rebound control, keeping pucks close to him and covering up. His glove and blocker are good at taking away the top of the net.
Swayman is also willing to get out of his net and handle the puck. He is good at making a good first pass to his teammates, acting as a third defender and starting the breakout. This helps his team to defend the forecheck. Swayman could improve his passing at longer range though. He could then take advantage of a team on a bad line change and help create offence.
Mental Makeup
Swayman shows maturity in the crease. He is calm and cool at all times, whether he is facing heavy traffic and a lot of shots against or if his team is controlling the puck and the chances against are few and far between. He is a really smart player, reading plays well and understanding situations. Swayman shows an ability to get faceoffs if his team needs a line change or to keep things moving and push the pace if the other team may be at the end of a shift or on a line change. His leadership is something that his team’s defenders lean on.
Outlook
Swayman’s emergence has cemented his position as the Bruins goalie of the future. He heads to Bruins camp as a near-lock to be on the roster. While Swayman is slated as the backup goalie, he could still get plenty of games. If he plays as well as he did last year, he could push Linus Ullmark for the top job over the next few seasons.
#4 Prospect: Jakub Lauko
Left Wing — shoots Left
Born March 28th, 2000 — Praha, Czech Republic
Height 6’1″ — Weight 172 lbs [183 cm/78 kg]
Drafted by the Boston Bruins in the 3rd round, #77 overall at the 2018 NHL Draft.
With the North American seasons being delayed Lauko started the season playing for HC Karlovy Vary in the Czech Extraliga. He put up five goals and ten points in 25 games. He also played 23 games for Providence, scoring five goals and 19 points on the season.
Skating
Lauko is already a strong skater, but there are some areas that could be even better with a little bit of work. He has a strong first step and gets up to top speed quickly. Once he is started though, his strides are a little bit short and choppy. While he has good top-end speed, a longer, more powerful stride could make it great. It would also help him to be more powerful, fighting through checks along the boards and getting to the front of the net.
He has added core strength and improved his balance and ability to win battles on the boards. If he continues to get stronger, he could become a true power forward at the next level. He has very good agility and can weave through traffic, with and without the puck. A little bit better edgework would make his cuts even sharper.
Offensive Game
Lauko uses his size well to protect the puck down below the faceoff dots. He keeps his body between defenders and the puck and works the cycle game. He makes safe plays here, moving the puck to the open man, and keeping things going around the outside. Lauko is not the type to try and be too creative with his stickhandling but can cut to the net if he sees an opportunity. That said, his stickhandling and puck control are strong, to the point where he can sometimes afford to take a few more chances than he does. His passing and vision are good. He keeps his feet moving, both with and without the puck, and this high work ethic creates pressure on the forecheck. Lauko causes opposing defencemen to turn the puck over. He also is quick to pounce on loose pucks.
Lauko has a good release on his wrist shot and it is strong, but needs to be more accurate. He misses the net too often from further out. Lauko could also stand to use that shot a bit more, as he prefers to pass and waits a little too much for the perfect opportunity. Most of his goals come from using his size in tight to the net. He is good at tip-ins and banging in rebounds. As he gets stronger, he could become an effective net-front presence at the NHL level.
Defensive Game
Lauko is a strong defensive player. He brings his high compete-level to the defensive end, working on the boards, and supporting the defence down low. His big frame and long stick help him to cut down passing lanes and keep opponents to the outside. He needs a bit more strength to defend bigger forwards in the cycle game, but he works hard and his positioning is strong. That strength should come in time, and it’s common for young players to need to add that to their frame.
Outlook
Lauko heads to Bruins camp looking to take a spot in the team’s bottom-six. However, he is a youngster and last season was not the best for many young player’s development due to the strange COVID-altered campaign. Lauko is likely to head back to Providence, at least to start the year. He should be one of the first call-ups for injuries and push to make the team full-time in 2022.
#5 Prospect: Jakub Zboril
Defence — shoots Left
Born February 21st, 1997 — Brno, Czech Republic
Height 6’0″ — Weight 201 lbs [183 cm / 91 kg]
Drafted by the Boston Bruins in the 1st round, #13 overall, at the 2015 NHL Draft.
Zboril also started the season in the Czech Extraliga. Playing for Brno, he put up one goal and eight points in 18 games. When he came to North America, he made the Bruins out of camp, playing 42 games and putting up nine assists. He comes in just under our games played and age thresholds for a prospect.
Skating
Zboril has good skating skills and his excellent pivots, edgework, and agility allow him to cover a ton of ice. He is able to transition quickly from offence-to-defence and vice-versa. He has good balance and is hard to knock off the puck. That balance and power are also very useful in clearing the front of the net, or in battling for loose pucks in the corners and along the boards. Zboril’s skating stride is a little bit choppy and his acceleration could improve by working to make it smoother. It has not had a huge effect on his top-end speed which is good in both directions.
Offensive Game
Zboril has some offensive skills that can continue to develop but things have been slow. He has had some issues in putting it all together. He has a very good slap shot, as well as a strong wrist shot and good release. Zboril shows patience with the puck in the AHL but that hasn’t translated in the NHL yet. He seems to rush things a little. When at his best, he waits for a proper shooting lane to get his shot through to the net. He needs to use his agility and edgework to walk the line and open up shooting lanes. Zboril was also more effective pinching at the blue line and joining the rush in the AHL. At times he might be a little too cautious right now.
He has the puck handling skills to skate the puck out of danger in his own end and can make a smart first pass to start the transition game. There are some issues though. Zboril does not always make the smart play with the puck in the offensive zone. Whether this is due to a lack of vision or a lack of hockey sense is not quite clear. He must improve this area if he wants to take his production to the next level and be able to produce at the NHL level.
Defensive Game
Opposing forwards must keep their head up when making a rush down Zboril’s end of the ice. If they have their heads down, he is more than willing to throw a big hit. He does have to time these hits better though, as he can have a tendency to get himself out of position to make such a hit. Zboril is also not afraid to be physical in the defensive end of the ice, battling hard in front of the net and in the corners. He is not afraid to block shots. He could use some work on his positioning and reading of the play as this has caused some inconsistency in his defensive game. He’s also had an issue getting caught flat-footed against particularly quick forwards.
Outlook
There are flashes of high-end potential in Zboril’s game, but he still has some areas of his game that need refinement. Defencemen typically take longer than forwards to develop but Zboril is now 24 years old. While he is a lock to make the Bruins again this year, he may just top out as a third-pair defender.
#6 Prospect: John Beecher
Centre — shoots Left
Born April 5th, 2001 — Elmira, New York
Height 6’3″ — Weight 210 lbs [191 cm / 95 kg]
Drafted by the Boston Bruins in the 1st Round, #30 Overall, at the 2019 NHL Draft.
Things didn’t exactly go according to plan this year. With some injury issues and a positive COVID test, he missed the World Juniors and was limited to just 16 games for the University of Michigan. He put up just four goals and eight points in his sophomore season. He was also unable to play in the Frozen Four tourney as Michigan was forced to withdraw due to the team’s COVID issues.
Skating
Beecher’s skating stride is a bit unconventional, but it works for him. His top-end speed is good and if he gets a step on a defender, he can drive past him and cut to the net. His acceleration is average though, as it takes him quite a few strides to reach that top speed. For a big man, he has very good footwork. He shows the agility and edgework to get around defenders. Beecher has a powerful stride. He can fight through checks and stickwork and continue driving forward. He also is very strong along the boards and in front of the net. Beecher’s balance allows him to be strong on the puck and protect it on the cycle game.
Offensive Game
Beecher is able to play a power game. The majority of his goals are scored in tight to the net. He has the quick hands to pounce on rebounds, get deflections, and bang in one-timers in close. He also has the soft hands to deke a goaltender in tight. Beecher’s size and power allow him to get the puck to the net as well as to battle for position close to the goal when he doesn’t have it.
Beecher can also play the role of playmaker. He extends plays on the cycle, controlling the puck down low and giving his linemates time to get open. He shows the quick hands and the agility to make creative moves to shake a defender and open up a passing lane. Beecher has the vision to find an open teammate and can pass the puck through tight openings. He can also create offence by pressuring opposing defenders on the forecheck and creating turnovers. He is not afraid to throw a big hit and uses his size to its fullest advantage.
Defensive Game
Beecher brings that physical game to the defensive end of the ice as well. He helps his defence down low, throwing hits as well as battling in the corners and in front of the net. Beecher is also willing to put his body on the line to block shots. He is strong in the faceoff circle. Beecher reads the play well and is strong positionally, using his size to cut down on passing lanes.
Outlook
Beecher has the size, skating and defensive game to be an effective forward in the NHL. His offensive game shows flashes but questions remain. Will he produce more with more ice time and some opportunities on the power play? Is there untapped offensive potential there? It remains to be seen. For now, Beecher heads back to Ann Arbor for his junior season at the University of Michigan. The Wolverines should have one of the best teams in the country and compete for both the Big 10 and National Championship. He could sign with the Bruins once the college year is done.
#7 Prospect: Urho Vaakanainen
Defence — shoots Left
Born January 1st, 1999 — Joensuu, Finland
Height 6’1″ — Weight 185 lbs [186 cm/84 kg]
Drafted by the Boston Bruins in the 1st round, #18 overall at the 2017 NHL Draft
Vaakanainen started last season in the Finnish Liiga with SaiPa. He played just two games but picked up a goal. Once the North American season started he split time between Boston and Providence. In 11 AHL games, he scored a goal and three points. In nine games with Boston, he picked up two assists.
Skating
Vaakanainen is very mobile. He has good speed and acceleration in both directions; as well as the edgework and pivots to transition quickly from offence to defence and vice-versa. His lateral movement also helps him to maintain good gap control in the defensive end. Vaakanainen is strong on his skates and has good balance. He is able to take advantage of this when fighting against bigger forwards in the corners and in front of the net. That said, he will need to continue to add muscle and strength to his fame, to play this game at the NHL level.
Offensive Game
Vaakanainen has an excellent hockey IQ. He reads the play very well in both the offensive and defensive ends of the ice. He chooses to make the smart plays both with and without the puck. He also can skate the puck out of danger in his own zone, and start the transition game with a good first pass. Offensively, he has decent power and accuracy on his shot, and the vision to make plays at the blue line. However, he will likely never be a huge offensive contributor but may develop a little bit of scoring ability.
Vaakanainen plays a very simple game which limits his high-end potential. He makes the safe play with the puck, instead of a riskier one with more upside. He also isn’t really creative back at the blueline. He keeps the puck in the zone and puts it in good areas, but he is not one to be patient at the line or to open up passing and shooting lanes.
Defensive Game
Defensively, he has great gap control and positioning. Vaakanainen takes the body in the corners and in front of the net but is not a big hitter. He is not afraid to get his nose dirty in battles for the puck or to clear the crease, but he also does not get himself out of position looking for the big hit. Vaakanainen has very good positioning and is good at cutting down passing and shooting lanes. When he does create a turnover, he starts the transition game quickly. Overall, his game is well-rounded.
Outlook
Vaakanainen comes to Bruins camp looking to earn a full-time spot on the blueline. He will get every opportunity to do so in camp but there is fierce competition on the left-side of the Bruins defence. One more year in the AHL would not be a bad thing, with Vaakanainen likely to be one of the first callups if there are any injuries on the blue line. Long-term, the upside may be limited to being a third-pairing player who can help killing penalties, but the offensive ability to be part of the top-four is a bit of a question mark.
#8 Prospect: Mason Lohrei
Left Defense — shoots Left
Born January 17th, 2001 — Verona, Wisconsin
Height 6’4″ — Weight 204 lbs [193 cm / 93 kg]
Drafted by the Boston Bruins in the 2nd round, #58 overall, at the 2020 NHL Draft.
After not being selected in the 2019 Draft, Lohrei was a second-round pick of the Bruins in the 2020 Draft. Last season, he put up 19 goals and 59 points in 48 games for the Green Bay Gamblers. Lohrei was named the USHL defenceman of the year. While this is obviously an outstanding season, there is a bit of a caveat as most of the top prospects his age would have been in their first or second year of NCAA hockey.
Skating
Coming in at 6-foot-4, Lohrei has excellent size. Sometimes a player is described as being a good skater with the caveat being “for his size.” This caveat is not needed in Lohrei’s case. He has a good stride and generates effective acceleration and good speed in both directions. He is also very good with his edgework and agility. This allows Lohrei to be a mobile defenceman and to play a two-way game. His ability to pivot sharply allows him to transition quickly from defence to offence and vice-versa. Lohrei is already strong on the boards. He should only get stronger as he physically matures.
Offensive Game
Lohrei pairs his strong skating with good stickhandling skills. This allows him to skate the puck out of danger in the defensive zone and start the rush. He also makes a good first pass to get the transition game going. When Lohrei has the opportunity, he is not afraid to lead the rush, weaving through the neutral zone and generating effective zone entries. He is poised with the puck on his stick and moves well laterally. This allows him to open up passing and shooting lanes in the offensive zone. Lohrei has the vision and passing skills necessary to quarterback the power play. He finds the open man and can make a creative play in the zone.
Lohrei’s slap shot is good, but it is not great. It can be an effective weapon at the blue line, however, he is far more effective with his wrist shot. Lohrei loves to sneak in from the line and let his shot go from the faceoff circles. His quick release can surprise goalies and his shot is accurate and powerful. He can also use it off the rush, or when coming in as an extra man on the attack. Lohrei is not afraid to gamble and this usually results in good offensive plays. However, he can still learn to pick his spots and not get caught up ice.
Defensive Game
Lohrei needs work on his defensive game. His positioning and gap control are often just a little off, leaving his man enough room to make plays off the rush or in the offensive zone. He has the size to play physically and is willing to do so but must work on his discipline. Lohrei can sometimes get himself out of position looking for the big hit instead of staying in his position. Lohrei’s size and long stick are an asset in the defensive zone though. He does a good job of staying active and cutting down passing lanes. He is also willing to block shots. When a turnover is created in the defensive zone, Lohrei is quick to move it up the ice and start the transition game.
Outlook
Lohrei will head to Ohio State this season, starting his college career as a 20-year-0ld freshman. The Bruins will hope that the converted forward can continue to work on his defensive game. The offensive game is there, but the defence is the big question mark. If he can improve this area, he could make an impact in a couple of years.
#9 Prospect: Brett Harrison
The Bruins drafted Harrison with the 85th overall pick in this year’s NHL draft. Prior to the draft, we did an in-depth scouting report on Harrison. As there has not been a significant sample size of games that have been played since that report; we will not repeat it. You can check out the report here.
#10 Prospect: Victor Berglund
Right Defense — shoots Right
Born August 2nd, 1999 — Ornskoldsvik, Sweden
Height 6’0″ — Weight 179 lbs [183 cm/81 kg]
Drafted by the Boston Bruins in the 7th round, #195 overall, at the 2017 NHL Entry Draft.
Berglund spent last season with Lulea in the SHL. He put up four goals and 17 assists for 21 points. He also played in one playoff game.
Skating
Berglund is a strong skater. He has a long and powerful stride. This gives him good speed and acceleration in both directions. Berglund’s skating allows him to take chances joining the rush or to pinch at the blue line and still get back defensively. He also has good edgework and agility. This allows him to maintain good gap control defensively. It also allows him to walk the line and create chances in the offensive zone. Berglund needs to be a bit stronger on his skates in order to win battles on the boards and in front of the net.
Offensive Game
Berglund has a very good slap shot and one-timer. He can really let it go from the point. He also does a good job of moving laterally and opening up shooting lanes. Berglund also has a decent wrist shot. His soft hands allow him to subtly change the angle before letting it go. This can cause goaltenders issues in picking up the puck off his stick. He uses his wrister effectively by getting down to the faceoff circles and letting it go from there. He can also use it as the trailer on the rush.
Berglund shows good passing ability and vision as well. He can make a good first pass out of the zone starting the breakout. He can also make good passes in the offensive zone to set up teammates on the power play. However, he could stand to be more poised and patient with the puck. Berglund could stand to work on his stickhandling. This would allow him to lead the rush through the neutral zone as well as to control the puck at the line on the power play. As it stands he is more of a shooter than a power-play quarterback due to this.
Defensive Game
Berglund utilizes his skating to play an effective defensive game. He maintains good gap control and forces his man to the outside and away from high danger scoring areas. He has a quick stick and can poke check the puck away from an attacker. Berglund is also good at cutting down passing lanes and creating turnovers. However, he needs to get stronger. He can be overpowered by bigger, stronger forwards in the corners and in front of the net. Added upper body strength would really help him.
Outlook
Berglund signed his entry-level contract with the Bruins this off-season. He heads to training camp looking to make an impression on the coaching staff. He will need time to adjust to North American ice and get stronger. Expect him to spend the season with Providence. He could be an injury call-up this year and challenge for a spot in 2022.
Sleeper Prospect: Kyle Keyser
Goalie — shoots Left — Catches Left
Born March 8th, 1999 — Coral Springs, Florida
Height 6’2″ — Weight 179 lbs [188 cm/81 kg]
Signed by the Boston Bruins in October 2017.
Keyser bounced between the AHL and ECHL last season. In five games with Providence, he had a 2.56 goals-against-average and .913 save percentage. He also played 22 games with Jacksonville in the ECHL, putting up a 2.45 goals-against-average and .917 save percentage.
Skating and Talent Analysis
Keyser has strong legs and is a good skater. He gets out of his crease to challenge shooters and cut down angles. His strong backwards mobility allows him to get back quickly if attackers try to deke him. He also has a strong push and is able to get side-to-side with ease to make saves on cross-crease passes. Keyser tracks the puck well and has good anticipation. He does a good job of being square to the shooter and taking up as much space as possible to make saves. He is also very athletic and can recover quickly on those few times he does get out of position.
Keyser’s strong legs and good butterfly technique take away the bottom of the net. He also has a good glove and blocker to take away the top of the net. At just 6-foot-2, he is just average (maybe slightly below average) in terms of size for modern goaltending prospects and this can leave a bit of room in the top of the net when he does go down in his butterfly. He also needs to work on his rebound control. This is a problem of many young goalies though, and work with NHL goaltending coaches will help him to take strides in this area in the coming years.
Mental Makeup
Keyser has been a leader for his team. He stays calm and composed in the net and the young defenders in front of him look to him for leadership. Keyser understands the flow of the game. He covers up when his team needs a breather but will keep the play moving if there is an opportunity to transition and get forward in attack. Over his junior career, he has shown the ability to stay focused, whether he was backing a strong team and not seeing many scoring chances or behind a weaker team and facing plenty of action.
Outlook
Keyser is ready to move up to Providence full-time and compete with Callum Booth for the starting job. Keyser is still a bit of a project as goalie development takes time but he could become a competent NHL backup if he continues on a strong development path. He needs time in the AHL though.
Other 2021 Boston Bruins Prospects
Years of contention mean that the Bruins prospects are one of the weaker groups in the league. However, there are still some players beyond those named who are worth keeping an eye on. First-round pick Zachary Senyshen is looking to make the roster, but his upside is limited. Other forwards to watch include Curtis Hall, Oskar Steen, Matt Filipe, Samuel Asselin, Joona Koppanen, Cameron Hughes, Trevor Kuntar, and Quinn Olson. Defenders to watch include Mason Langenbrunner, Roman Bychov, Jack Ahcan, and Brady Lyle. In goal, the Bruins have Callum Booth and Philiip Svedeback in the system.
2021 Boston Bruins Prospects Main Photo:
🇸🇪 With the 30th overall selection in the 2020 @CHLHockey Import Draft, the Vancouver Giants are pleased to select #2021NHLDraft prospect Fabian Lysell, a 2003-born forward from Göteborg, SWE. 🇸🇪
Fabian Lysell’s @eliteprospects profile: https://t.co/Sqc4CQbTX8
More to come! pic.twitter.com/dpK0NcRTan
— Vancouver Giants (@WHLGiants) June 30, 2020