Lysell Learning from the Best

BOSTON - Patrice Bergeron still remembers his first training camp - now some 19 years ago - and the impact that linemates Sergei Samsonov and Glen Murray had on him as he began his NHL career.
"I'll never forget that. You learn from those guys, guys you look up to, and they have experience," Bergeron recalled. "I remember [former strength and conditioning coach John Whitesides] with [off-ice] testing and the deep voice, you definitely had to be on time and all that stuff. Learning how to be a pro, making yourself accountable, making sure you're not missing any assignments."

Given that he remembers so vividly how important it was to his development to have that experience in the fall of 2003, Bergeron has always embraced any younger players that have been placed on his line. And that's been no different this week.
The latest up-and-coming prospect to find himself with the longtime centerman is 2021 first-round pick Fabian Lysell, who has been given the first crack by new coach Jim Montgomery at riding on the right wing alongside Bergeron and Pavel Zacha.
"For myself, I tried to learn as much as I could, playing that first scrimmage with Samsonov and Murray," said Bergeron. "I think the main thing was Joe [Thornton], Jumbo at the time, being able to skate with him and Marty [Lapointe], just having the guys I looked up to, skating on the same ice as them and soaking it all in and just enjoying myself.
"I think that's what we can share with [younger players]. It's always great to have the young energy also on your wing. It is something that can be very beneficial for young guys coming up."
Like Boston's captain nearly two decades ago, Lysell is embracing with open arms his chance for a training camp tutorial from the five-time Selke Trophy winner and Stanley Cup champion.
"It's been really good. Obviously, it's a special thing to kind of get that opportunity to practice with such high-skill guys like that. I'm just trying to enjoy every time we practice and try to learn as much as possible," Lysell said following Friday's camp session at Warrior Ice Arena.
"I think he's one of the best players in the world. And it's just the overall game and all the small details, how good he is with the stick and communicating. If there's something coming up, he will talk about it right away.
"And you understand like really quickly, you know what he means and then you can kind of change up maybe the route you're going or whatever right away. So, yeah, you've just got to be alert all the time and try to take in as much as possible."

The 19-year-old Swede is now in the midst of his second training camp with the big club after being selected 21st overall in the 2021 NHL Entry Draft. As such, Lysell is feeling a tad more at ease this time around.
"I feel more comfortable. I mean, last year was kind of like the first experience, and everything was new, which was an unreal experience," said Lysell. "And I got a lot of energy from it this year. I've been here last year and now it's just more of like getting used to it.
"And maybe I can put even more energy out on the ice and try to like relax even more off the ice. So, I think last year definitely helped me coming into it."
Bergeron has noticed the difference - and the skill.
"Definitely a great talent with a lot of speed and a smart player. It's good to be on the ice with him and get to know him," said Bergeron. "I think that's what you want to see. From one camp to the next you want to gain some confidence coming back. You know what to expect and I'm sure that's happening for him.
"He had a great year in junior now he's trying to carry that over. He's a great player and I'm sure he's fighting for a spot. All the guys are pushing each other to be better."
During his first season in North America in 2021-22, Lysell's offensive game exploded over the second half of the year and into the playoffs. The winger finished with 62 points (22 goals, 40 assists) in 53 games and another 21 points (4 goals, 17 assists) in 12 postseason contests.
"I think it just came kind of natural," Lysell said when asked when he started to feel fully adjusted to the North American game. "I can't remember a certain moment, but I think after the winter break, kind of after World Juniors and all that - even though I got sick and [the tournament] got canceled - coming back the second time, I think that's kind of when everything started clicking maybe a little bit more. You get more used to the North American [game]. So, I would probably say around that time."
Though he's already made significant strides, Lysell knows there is plenty left for him to shore up if he expects to secure a spot with the big club in Boston.
"I think it's a lot of things if you want to reach that high of a level," Lysell said of his areas for improvement. "I think it's a lot of places like around the boards, getting the puck there and you got a D right up on you, using your body and your puck protection and all that to kind of separate yourself.
"Even though it's detail, it's a big part of the North American game, especially now playing with pro. So that's definitely an area I'm going to improve and try to improve a lot on. And then I would say just get the quick release faster as soon as you get the puck around the net; it's got to come off quick."

Montgomery, meanwhile, is still getting to know Lysell's game, but one thing has been obvious through two days of camp: the former first-rounder has plenty of flash.
"Just dynamic," said Montgomery. "How he attacks people's feet. He makes defensemen face him, which good offensive players will manipulate defensive feet, and he understands how to do that already. So, he's going to make plays."
Given that potential, Boston's bench bossa felt it was important to place Lysell with a high-end player like Bergeron in order to best showcase the youngster's strengths.
"I think it's important that you give players you think have the potential to play in those spots, the opportunity to play in those spots," said Montgomery. "Because if we put them with fourth line players, maybe they don't get to see what they can do as far as making plays and jumping in the holes."
But with Bergeron by his side, Lysell has as good a mentor as there is in the National Hockey League to lean on.
"It's definitely something I think I'm going to hopefully get more used to it," Lysell said of playing with someone like Bergeron. "It's still obviously a bit unreal and all that. I played juniors last year and I'm coming into camp and getting the opportunity to play with guys like that.
"So again, Bergeron, it's pretty unreal. But as I said, I try to learn as much as possible and at the same time try to focus on my game and try to do the best as I can from there."