2021 NHL Draft Profile: Fabian Lysell
The Chicago Blackhawks own the 11th overall selection in the first round of the 2021 NHL Draft. We’re offering some thoughts on players the Hawks might consider when they’re on the clock at this year’s draft.
Thus far we have discussed forwards Matthew Coronado, Chaz Lucius, Mason McTavish, Aatu Raty and Brennan Othmann, Cole Sillinger and Zachary Bolduc. Our final forward for consideration is Fabian Lysell.
Fabian Lysell
RW
5-10 / 175
Ranked #12 by TSN/McKenzie
Ranked #9 by NHL CENTRAL SCOUTING (EU Skaters)
Ranked #10 by MCKEEN’S HOCKEY
Ranked #3 by DOBBERPROSPECTS
Ranked #10 by CONSOLIDATED RANKING
Ranked #7 by ELITEPROSPECTS.COM
Ranked #10 by FCHOCKEY
Ranked #10 by NEUTRAL ZONE
Ranked #11 by SPORTSNET’S
Ranked #8 by RECRUIT SCOUTING
Ranked #8 by DRAFT PROSPECTS HOCKEY
Ranked #11 by SMAHT SCOUTING
Ranked #14 by THE PUCK AUTHORITY
From Corey Pronman (The Athletic)
#22 overall prospect
Skating: Above-average
Puck Skills: Average
Hockey Sense: Average
Compete: Average
“Lysell was up and down this season after a great underage season, moving from Frolunda to Lulea midseason where he didn’t play much but ended strong at the U18 worlds. Lysell is one of the more talented players in the draft, who beats defenders consistently with his puckhandling displays. That he’s a great skater, with both good speed and edgework and can make very skilled plays at full flight, makes him a handful to defend. On his best shift, Lysell is using his skill and speed to get around guys and take pucks to the net, or making tremendous plays with pace to his teammates. His physical effort comes and goes off the puck, but with the puck he plays with courage. In a sentence, Lysell projects as a second-line winger who has the talent to dominate an NHL shift but may frustrate observers too.”
From Chris Peters’ Hockey Sense
#12 overall prospect
“One of my personal favorites in the draft class, Lysell’s combination of skill and quickness allow him to play the game in a style more indicative of where the NHL will be in the next few years. Watching the young up and coming teams in the NHL, they all have players that can play with some burst and some quickness. Lysell has that and brings the finish to it as well. He dazzled at the World U18 Championship where he scored nine points including a pair of goals in Sweden’s quarterfinal win over the United States. His other goal was an end-to-end highlight reel tally against Belarus. Lysell is a nightmare in transition because his hands and feet work in tandem to mystify defenders. He often enters the zone with speed and has the hands to surprise the goalie with a move or quick shot. His ability to create for himself is a special tool. There are a few concerns about his ability to make plays within structure. So much of his offense is generated off the rush that you wonder if he’ll be able to be as effective when the games are slowed down and the defense has time to set up. I think his talent is unique, though. There aren’t many players in the draft that can move as quickly as he does while also being able to make the kind of plays he does. If you’re team drafts him, he’ll probably be one of your favorite prospects right away because he is a treat to watch.”
From LastWordonHockey.com
Skating
Lysell is one of the best skaters in this year’s draft. He has a very good first step and excellent acceleration. When there is an opening in the defence, Lysell is lightning quick, getting past his man and into an area to create a scoring chance. His top-end speed is also excellent. Lysell can take a defenceman to the outside and cut to the front of the net. His agility and edgework are also outstanding. He is able to make quick cuts and changes in direction. This, combined with his ability to change speeds, makes him very dangerous on the rush. Lysell needs to add muscle to his lower body though. He can sometimes be pushed off the puck a bit too easily. Increased core strength would improve his balance as well as his ability to win battles on the boards.
Offensive Game
Lysell pairs his outstanding skating with excellent puck handling skills. He can handle the puck and make plays while moving at top speed. This makes him very good in transition. Lysell’s skating and stickhandling ability generate odd-man rushes and effective zone entries. His stickhandling also helps him to slow the game down and protect the puck in the offensive zone. He cycles the puck well, giving his teammates time to get open and when they do he can hit them with a pass to create a scoring chance. Lysell has excellent vision. His quick hands change angles for the puck and create passing lanes. He also has the skill to make a pass through a tight area to a teammate. Lysell is good on the power play, directing traffic from the half wall.
While he is more of a playmaking winger than a shooter, Lysell can score goals as well. He has a quick and deceptive release on his wrist shot. His quick hands help him to change the angle on his shot and fool goaltenders. Lysell could have a stronger shot though. As it is he will need to be in close to beat NHL-level goaltenders. This could happen with increased strength though. Getting stronger will also help him to win battles along the boards and to establish his position in front of the net.
Defensive Game
Lysell’s defensive game is also very advanced for his age. He backchecks hard and supports the defence down low. While his lack of size and strength makes him vulnerable to bigger and stronger opponents, he mitigates this somewhat with a quick stick that is good at stealing the puck off of an opponent. He also does a good job of getting his stick into passing lanes and creating turnovers. Once those turnovers are created, he is very good at transitioning up the ice and creating odd-man rushes. Lysell is also strong positionally. He does a good job of staying between his man and the front of the net, forcing opponents to the outside and away from dangerous positions.
Projection and Comparison
Lysell projects as a possible first-line winger in the NHL. His advanced defensive game and the fact that he has already been playing against men mean that he may be NHL ready quickly. However, he likely needs to spend at least one more season in Sweden, getting stronger and producing offence in the SHL. He should also be an important part of the Swedish team at next year’s World Junior Championships. Lysell’s game is reminiscent of Mitch Marner. This is a stylistic comparison only though, not one based on skill and potential.
Definitely has potential to best player available at no. 11 and a high end nhl forward.
Another under-sized forward! At least above average skating ability…to “avoid” being hit!
Interesting player for the Hawks same size Keith when he was draft at 18 so the size will come at around 6 ft 195-200 pounds probably
The kid is fast and defensive game is advanced for is age
If it’s what they are looking for he could be a good choice I think
Maybe a goalie.
O.K, You sold me with this glowing review and his elite skating. As much as I would like to see big wingers come our way,I’ll take him!
Seems to be best from the group of forwards discussed so far.
It seems like a small detail, but Lysell is a right handed RW..always nice to add a right handed shot to our forward group when possible. I’m also happy whenever I read that a player is committed to playing a 200 ft game already..not interested in drafting any floaters..still prefer Wallstedt and Fyodor because I believe in their upside more, but Lysell wouldn’t be a bad pick at 11..the skating and shiftiness is up there with Johnson this year and the Hawks could definitely use more elite skating..does a Cat-Toews-Kane Reichel-Dach-Lysell top six sound appealing?
His glowing profile makes me wonder why is isn’t projected in the top-5. It was nice to look at someone with above-average skating. Obviously small but I would have no problem taking this guy at #11 and hoping he gets close to his ceiling.
Lysell has fallen a bit in the rankings – not sure why – I like others was hesitant at first because we don’t really need more smallish forwards but I’ll take high end skating over size with below average skating
Some rankings have him higher than 11 others have him in the 20s – I could see the Hawks taking him because he has 1st line potential and I wouldn’t be disappointed
@ebonyraptor..there are two concerns with Lysell that I think have led to some variance in his pre-draft rankings(although most still have him projected in the top 10-20 picks of the 1st rd)..1. in the SHL this season, he only had 3 points in 20+ games..so for all of his elite skill, it didn’t translate to points, and 2. he’s incredible off the rush, but can he create offense consistently for himself and his teammates when the game slows down and his open ice shrinks? For me, I think his elite skating and playmaking would still make him a good value at 11, but the concerns about whether he’s a bit one dimensional are probably what are keeping him out of the top 5-6 prospect discussion..
So whats our list here ranking/order. Figuring goalie is gone by then. Is this our order so far.
Edvinsson
Tavish
Sillinger
Lysell
Thats who? we should be routing for.
@Morrison..I don’t believe Edvinsson or McTavish will be available near 11..Sillinger, Lucius, Lysell and one of the two goalies are who will probably be available to choose from at 11..so the Hawks will have some interesting options..
Wonder who will take Cossa ?
Because this guy might be a solid goalie .kid is 6’6 215 pounds at 18 years old and is a top notch so far in Canadian league. Should be gone at pick number 20 approx.
Good to not get excited for Edvinsson Tavish and then see them go before us.
If one of these two guys are there at 11 it will feel like getting the top 3 pick/feel.
Of Sillinger, Lucius, Lysell whos is the better 200 ft size skate fast player?
Sillinger is who I should route for?
I would say if we trade Dunks and get Jones then its not blocking young players since its same spot/taken.
Trading Haan would be the thing.
Like others, I`ve been asking the hawks to shy away from drafting smallish players going forward but Lysell seems like good value if available at # 11. At least he has elite skating. I think I`d still take the goalie Cossa if we keep the pick however. Could be an impact prospect vs Lysell who perhaps tops out as a second line player ( not saying that`s bad but hopefully we won`t be drafting as high as # 11 too much longer in the future so this needs to be a solid pick ).
Slayer – MaTavish I feel will be gone by 11 but not so sure about Edvinsson – he’s a bit more of a project despite his high end skills and size and teams may want more of a sure thing
He’s generally considered to be in the top 9 prospects but it if one of the goalies and someone like Sillinger goes in top of 10 then Edvinsson is a likely candidate to drop to 11
Lysell=Patrick Kane clone who plays both ends of the ice? He is an intriguing option. It’s July,we can dream a little.
Not that any team would trade top 7-10 pick if Tavish is there at 7 or 8 and we trade up is he worht it ot each of these players about the same and all good players so not wrth it. We hear a lot of trade lower how about trade up and get the better player.
Wrap
Hope we can get Edvinsson but my feeling is that he will be gone before num 9 .
Looking at the draft pick and it’s loaded of talent in top 10-13 so everything is possible.
Slayerse7en the lack of production had a lot to do with his lack of deployment as he averaged around 6-7 mins of ice per game in the SHL due to the team wanting to play vets, as well as a reported slight attitude problem as he basically pushed himself off one SHL team that was keeping him in the Juniors and he demanded to play in the pro league. Therefore he got transferred. I dont think that kind of attitude problem is necessarily a negative, seems like he knows how good he is and he knows where he wants to play.
When he did play he was super impressive from what I watched. Probably the best forechecker in the draft, he was absolutely relentless on pucks and read plays very well, similar to Reichel on the forecheck. He has the complete offensive toolbox which he showed more through his age group. I would also say hes a top 5 skater in the draft. IF hes there at 11, Id be jogging to the podium to take him.
Kinda like what I see / hear in reports.
I see some Kane/Panarin type/ skating and edgework, and reports say his D is outstanding.
He has moved to top of list-imo
Through each analysis I kept thinking Barzal with hockey smarts and plays D. So far I’m happy w/McTavish/Sillinger/Lysell/Wallstedt/Edvisson.
Maybe either Calgary/Philly want Wallstedt if available and are willing to give Stan another asset for #11 pick. Being #11 can be a good spot if all the cards fall correctly
You put Lysell, Hagel, Reichel, Altybarmakyan, Hino on the same team every nite-
and suddenly you have a very feisty team w/ skill to boot.
I know Tampa- is gonna beat the Habs- however- Hawks need to build or copy that Habs PK unit w/ structure/ and or/ player types. That PK was incredible on that 4 minute end of regulation/OT PK. They pressured and shadowed every move- relentless.
That is how the above 4 mentioned players-play. ( Hino not included).
Water-bugs
Team is still in need of some SIZE/skilled/quick players – so are most teams.
Liked Hardman’s end of year -audition
Gaudette- need to see more of
Well TB didnt do 4-0 but they have dominated overall. Think what only 2nd time? this yr was finasl 3-0 since salary cap started?
@wrap..the earliest I think either of the two goalies gets picked is at 10..but yes, if one or both go within the top 10 picks, it will make the Hawks pick even more intriguing because it will signal that one or two players have slid..I’d love Edvinsson at 11 for his potential alone, but his allure is also why I don’t think he drops out of the top 8-9..
@morrison..”Of Sillinger, Lucius, Lysell whos is the better 200 ft size skate fast player?” None of the three have every attribute..Sillinger has the pro size already and can definitely score, Lucius can score seemingly at will but is not a good skater..and maybe I just have PTSD from watching Strome all year, but I’m not interested in taking another player who can’t skate and keep pace off the rush, and Lysell is one of the best skaters in this draft and plays a 200 ft game..but there are legitimate questions about his overall game-specifically how he thinks and processes the game when he’s on the ice and whether he’s as effective offensively if he’s not flying by his opponent on the rush..I wasn’t impressed with his season in the SHL, although he did have a good WCJ showing..but I’m not a gm nor an expert in anything hockey related lol..just my opinions..
So with all that being said, I would still lean towards Wallstedt first since I think he has the most upside at the position he plays..next would be Sillinger or Lysell..they both have attributes that stand out and I wouldn’t be upset at all if either of the two were our pick at 11..I also love Fyodor but based on the mocks I’ve seen, it doesn’t look like he’s on the Hawks radar..which is somewhat understandable..look how many years Minnesota had to wait for Kirill to come over..six years..which is always the concern with Russian players..but in my opinion, he’s the best 200 ft forward in this draft.
@bluto.. in terms of his skating, yes, its as close to elite as you’ll see in this year’s draft class..
@200footgame..Fyodor is the best defensive forward in this draft class, but in terms of players who won’t potentially stay in Russia for years lol, yes, Lysell is very solid defensively for a winger and it’s certainly an attribute that the Hawks would like more of..
JR, thats why I wanted the top 5 skill draft player agasin this draft. Last draft we got hosed into the 17th pick/even though Reichel could be top 10 quality thats a crapshoot/they say. We go t lucky there and with the goalie on atht. For the 11th pick thats basically top 10 quality so were 3 for 3 for drafts.
Need one more next yr and thats 4 top 10 quality draft players which is very important to getting enough elites for core players/with some coming from ufa like top pair D guy we ll add. Were not EDM when it comes to drafts. So it is important to get these top 10 quality draft players mostly because its what it takes to build anotehr core and were going to be too good in 24 mths to be picking in top 20 draft. We ll be 20-25 every yr and then a top 5 team again after that.
This does seem to lood good.
McTavish/Sillinger/Lysell/Wallstedt/Edvisson
Lets say we draft goalie/FW so we are adding one or prob two top pair ufa wise/wether we trade at deadline then resign.
Who is good in 2 summers from now when its more ideal/closer to when were ready like ER says and this would mean passed by is Jones Hamilton others now.
This is us having an elite goalie on the verge and a good fast group of FWs starting prime yrs.
Who do we add in summer/tradeline of 23/or 24.
JR ROMAN
July 5, 2021 at 5:47 pm
SS I totally agree grow our own offensive Dman. It takes minimum 4 yrs for a Dman to become good then become great. I believe both Boqvist and Beaudin will become good offensive Dmen. What we need is a Stevens Pronger someone that forwards watch out for when crossing the blue line or even mid ice. Think Montour could be that guy.
In The Hockey Writers latest mock they have Edvinsson still available at 11 – in fact he went 12th with Hawks taking Cossa the goalie- this was possible because both Lysell and Wallstaedt went in the top 10
This is the sort of scenario I’m hoping plays out on draft night but the Hawks end up with Edvinsson not Cossa