The Boston Bruins have revealed a new third line with a surprising player after their controversial roster move with fan favourite Fabian Lysell.
The Boston Bruins made an unpopular roster move involving Fabian Lysell after he just made his NHL debut on Saturday with the Boston Bruins.
The Bruins announced that they have reassigned Fabian Lysell to the Providence Bruins in the American Hockey League.
Lysell took the place of Oliver Wahlstrom on the third line during his debut, and gave that line a much-needed spark as they have been horrible for the Bruins recently.
With Lysell now being sent back down to the Providence Bruins, the Bruins have put together a new-look third line that could make a big impact.
Cole Koepke has been placed in Lysell's spot on the Bruins' third line with Trent Frederic and Justin Brazeau, and it looks like Oliver Wahlstrom will be out of the lineup once again as he was the extra forward.
The Bruins are preparing to take on the Washington Capitals on New Year's Eve and there is a good chance this new-look third line will make its debut on Tuesday.
Prospect Frustration
The trend for Boston has been to give prospects a taste of the NHL, and while using a short leash. Fellow prospect Georgii Merkulov, who had a three-game stint in Boston earlier this season and four games last season, got limited ice time during games and is back with Providence again. With the Bruins having difficulty with consistent, balanced offense, players with skill like Lysell and Merkulov could potentially fill a void for Boston. But, first, both players have to continue to play their dues and show the consistency needed to stay in the big leagues.
As a young player playing for the Bruins, it can be frustrating with how inexperienced players are handled. Expecting young players to play near-perfect hockey might be unfair. But, in the end, Boston values a solid 200-foot game that includes handling your defensive responsibilities. Lysell is getting there but is not quite ready yet.
