Bruins Still Evaluating Prospect Cut From Training Camp Roster
BOSTON -- The Bruins' top offensive prospect was sent to their AHL affiliate in Providence on Sunday, but with three preseason games left before opening night, Fabian Lysell might still see action in Boston's lineup on Thursday or Saturday.
"Camp is not over with; in all likelihood, we're going to evaluate after (Tuesday's game against the Flyers) what the lineup looks like for Thursday, and there will be several players that will come back and play whether that's Thursday or Saturday," Bruins general manager Don Sweeney said during the franchise's media day press conference. "So, camp is not over. The evaluation process really never ends."
Lysell skated alongside Charlie Coyle to start training camp and tallied one goal and four shots in three preseason games for Boston. Sweeney went on to explain why the Bruins decided to send Lysell to Providence.
"We had Fabian in situations in camp where he got reps with different players," Sweeney said. "... Everybody sees the skill set that Fabian has, and we're excited about it. Now, we continue to allow him to fill the gaps in terms of building a team game that (Jim Montgomery) feels is a big part of what the Bruins to have success is, and all young players go through that process. But he'll get another opportunity, and hopefully, he takes advantage of it."
Sweeney added that he didn't want to break down Lysell's strengths and weaknesses but reiterated the team mentality.
"He's got a lot of talent, and we're trying to get him to understand a little bit more of the team-based game and apply that, whether that's in practice in Providence, today and tomorrow, and then bringing it back when he does get another opportunity here, that's what you're hoping for," Sweeney said. "In all young players that's what you're hoping for. There's very few ready-made players. You know, this is a league that chews them up pretty quickly."
Montgomery added the schedule played a part in trimming down the roster with one week to go before opening night.
"Starting (Sunday) was 10 days until Game 1," Montgomery said. "We have four practices left. We have three games, two days off. So when you look at the way the schedule lays out, getting down to a smaller number ... where you're getting most of your group that's going to be with you to start the year; the intensity and execution and effort, everything comes up, and we need those in those last four practices, along with the games, to be able to have our team ready for Game 1."