Following an up-and-down season with Providence of the American Hockey League that ended with a concussion during the Calder Cup Playoffs, the 20-year-old forward wants to build on that experience and earn a role with the Boston Bruins.
Lysell's offseason began with more limitations than he planned on; the first-round pick (No. 21) in the 2021 NHL Draft was not able to participate fully in Bruins development camp last month and wore a noncontact jersey for the final two days of drills.
But he said he understands his patience will eventually pay off.
"I had to take it slow from the beginning, strength and especially conditioning," Lysell said. "I wasn't trying to max myself right away. I don't think it's necessary when you get that longer offseason, but I feel like I've been prepping it up pretty good right now, and I feel like I'm able to push myself like I want to, so right now, it's pretty good."
Lysell had 37 points (14 goals, 23 assists) in 54 games for Providence last season, his first as a professional, trading off hot and cold streaks as he continued to adjust to playing in North America, having played one season with Vancouver of the Western Hockey League in 2021-22 (62 points; 22 goals, 40 assists in 53 games).
The Sweden-born forward began last season with nine points (two goals, seven assists) in a six-game point streak. After having two assists in six games in January, he opened February with a point in six straight games (three goals, three assists) but finished the season with one goal in his final eight games.
"I think he's continuing to learn the North American game," Boston assistant general manager Jamie Langenbrunner said. "I think this year, he hit a bit of a wall with [the IIHF World Junior Championship] stuffed in there (no points in seven games for Sweden) as well. ... So I think he's learning how to grind through it."
Lysell said getting used to playing a full professional season was the biggest adjustment he had to make in the AHL.
"When you come into Game 60, you really need to know how to control your body so you can relax when you have to," he said. "And then when you have to be on it, you get to switch it on, so that's really what I've been focusing on a lot."
As he adjusts to changes off the ice, Lysell's on-ice strengths are translating. Philip Svedeback, a fourth-round pick (No. 117) by the Bruins in the 2021 draft and a goalie at Providence College, faced Lysell multiple times in Swedish junior hockey and said his game is as impressive now as it was then.
"His speed and his quick release," Svedeback said when asked what makes Lysell's game stand out. "It's hard to read his shot as well. Obviously a skilled guy and he knows where to put the puck."
With a crucial season of development in the AHL under his belt and his health nearing 100 percent, Lysell is hoping he can take the next step up this season.
"I think everybody coming into [training] camp is trying to make the team, and I'm no different," Lysell said. "Last year was really good for me, and I think coming into camp this year, I'm really going to put all my energy out there to make that happen."
