The Boston Bruins needed to add some high-end offensive skill to their prospect pool in the 2021 NHL Draft, and they did that in the first round Friday night.
The B's selected Swedish right winger Fabian Lysell with the No. 21 overall pick. He's an excellent skater who consistently creates scoring chances.
"I'm a dynamic player. I like to challenge opponents with pace," Lysell told reporters on a Zoom call. "I try to use my skating to create separation for myself and to be in those dangerous scoring areas."
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Sportsnet's draft expert Sam Cosentino had Lysell at No. 13 on his final ranking of the top prospects in the 2021 draft class. Here's what Cosentino wrote about Lysell:
"Most polarizing player in the draft. Played 26 games in Sweden’s top league this season and registered just three points, but dominated against his own age group."
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Lysell, who's listed at 5-foot-10 and 172 pounds, tied for the team lead in scoring with nine points in seven games for Sweden during the 2021 U18 World Championship. Sweden won the bronze medal at the tournament.
Boston Bruins
The Bruins, as of now, will make five picks on Saturday when rounds two through seven take place. Boston's next selection is at No. 83 overall in the third round. The B's don't have a 2021 second-round pick because they traded it to the Buffalo Sabres as part of the Taylor Hall deal in April.