Wanna blog? Start your own hockey blog with My HockeyBuzz. Register for free today!
 

Bruins make Hall signing official; draft Fabian Lysell 21st overall

July 23, 2021, 8:23 PM ET [17 Comments]
Anthony Travalgia
Boston Bruins Blogger • RSSArchiveCONTACT
In a move that we knew was coming, the Bruins made it official Friday night, signing Taylor Hall to a four-year $24 million contract.

“It was really enjoyable for me this year, and I’m really happy that I get to play another four years with the Bruins and the teammates that I got to know in my short time in Boston is a huge reason why I wanted to direct my focus to playing for Boston as long as I can,” Hall said Friday night.

“I’m really happy that we’re here talking about it today.”

Since the conclusion of the season, only the Bruins and Kraken had the ability to negotiate with Hall as an unrestricted free agent.

Had Hall wanted to, he could have held off a few more days and tested the market to see what was out there.

But shortly after his trade out of Boston, Hall knew this was where he wanted to be. Then, when the Bruins expressed mutual interest, it was an easy decision.

“I think most of my focus throughout this whole process was directed at playing for the Boston Bruins next year and for years to come,” said Hall. “After playing in Boston for that period of time, I knew that was where I wanted to play.”

Hall will return to the second line, likely alongside Craig Smith next season, finally giving the Bruins a talented top-six forward on the left side behind Brad Marchand.

But with centerman David Krejci an unrestricted free agent and Krejci yet to make a decision on his future, who will be centering Hall and Smith is to be determined.

“I would love to play with David for another year or two, but he’s got his own things that he has to deal with,” said Hall. “I think we’re comfortable with whoever’s going to be there. There’s a lot of good players on that team. I know the organization has a lot of confidence in guys that are able to step up and play in that role.”

Bruins select Fabian Lysell (RW/SHL)

While the Bruins immediate needs are down the middle and on the blue line, they went with who many had as the best available skater. Lysell was Central Scouting's ninth ranked international skater.

At 5-foot-10 and 172 pounds, the native of Göteborg, Sweden is known for his speed. His scouting report has him as a gifted offensive talent who is creative with the puck. With Frolunda HC J20 this past season, Lysell tallied 13 points in 11 games.

Lysell wasn't expected to be there for the Bruins at 21, so general manager Don Sweeney and company has to be thrilled with how Lysell landed in their lap.



"I'm a dynamic player," Lysell said about his style of play. "I like to challenge the opponents with pace and I try and use my skating and stick handling to create separation for myself and to be in those dangerous scoring areas."

"He's got speed, he can both playmake and shoot the puck. Watching him live at the U-18 [tournament] you saw pockets of his high-end ability," Sweeney said of Lysell. "He has attributes that we identified that I think the Boston Bruins need as much of as possibly can."
Join the Discussion: » 17 Comments » Post New Comment
More from Anthony Travalgia
» The End of an Era?
» Linus Ullmark or Jeremy Swayman in Game 7?
» Home Not So Sweet Home
» Bruins Depth On Full Display In Sunrise Sweep
» Bruins Drop Game 2 After Ugly Performance