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Time of India
02-08-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
The Boston Bruins' next-gen stars: Fabian Lysell, Fraser Minten eye NHL ice time while James Hagens waits in the wings
NHL-Boston Bruins (Credit: Getty Images) After making his NHL debut last season with the Boston Bruins, Fabian Lysell looks primed to push for a permanent spot on the NHL roster. The 22-year-old forward impressed with 50 points in the AHL and registered his first NHL goal in April, and his speed and offensive instincts align well with Boston's need for scoring depth; Lysell will likely enter training camp with a real shot at securing an NHL role in 2025-26. Fabian Lysell's 1st NHL goal 4/13/25 Fraser Minten is pushing for a full-time role Acquired from the Toronto Maple Leafs, Fraser Minten split time between both the NHL and AHL levels last season. The 21-year-old forward suited up for 25 NHL games, including six with the Bruins, where he scored once. His solid two-way play and NHL-ready frame could make him a valuable bottom-six contributor as early as opening night. Minten's versatility gives the Boston lineup flexibility during a potential transition year. In The System: Fraser Minten James Hagens stays in the NCAA, but his future looks bright Selected with the No. 7 overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, James Hagens brings elite offensive upside to the Bruins pipeline. The 18-year-old posted 37 points in 37 games for Boston College and is expected to return for his sophomore NCAA season. Though he won't be in the NHL right away, Hagens remains Boston's top long-term prospect, especially with his playmaking skills and potential to lead an NHL power play shortly. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like This year's most comfortable shoes are a hit with the over-40 crowd Ultra-Comfortable Shoes Undo Latvian forward Dans Locmelis gained pro experience late last season with Providence in the AHL and later showcased his talent at the 2025 IIHF World Championship. With a full AHL season ahead, the 21-year-old could be on the NHL radar later in the year. Meanwhile, Will Zellers, named the 2025 USHL Player of the Year, will start college hockey at North Dakota. His scoring touch makes him a top-tier future asset, even if his NHL arrival won't come until at least next season. Welcome to the NHL | James Hagens NHL outlook for Boston's youth movement The Boston Bruins appear ready to blend youth with experience, especially if players like Fabian Lysell and Fraser Minten crack the NHL roster this season. The team is well-prepared for the future with James Hagens growing in the NCAA and promising prospects like Dans Locmelis and Will Zellers. Additionally, Boston may enter a new era with the 2025–2026 NHL season. One based on skill, speed, and up-and-coming talent. Also Read: Acquitted but not cleared: NHL's Michael McLeod now linked to second alleged sexual assault case For real-time updates, scores, and highlights, follow our live coverage of the India vs England Test match here. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
Boston Globe
30-06-2025
- Sport
- Boston Globe
Will Zellers's goal-scoring touch is a welcome sight in Bruins' deepening prospect pool
'I was pretty surprised that I was getting traded at a young age,' Zellers said Monday at Boston's development camp. 'But to get traded to a place like this — an Original Six team — is pretty special. I was very excited. I will always forever be grateful for Colorado and what they did for me. … But for Boston to believe in me at this age, it's pretty special.' Get Starting Point A guide through the most important stories of the morning, delivered Monday through Friday. Enter Email Sign Up Most of the haul secured via Advertisement Welcome to town, — Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) The 5-foot-11-inch winger may not be the most imposing presence on the ice. The same can't be said for the screaming salvos of vulcanized rubber that he uncorked at Warrior Ice Arena. 'You can tell right away that he's just fitting right into the group,' Advertisement As the Bruins look to build up the next wave of young talent to support the likes of David Pastrnak up front, Zellers's stock has soared in recent months given his knack for finding the back of the net. The Maple Grove, Minn., earned USHL Player of the Year honors after scoring 44 goals and 71 points across 52 games with the Green Bay Gamblers — his first full season in the league. Related : Possessing both a sharp wrist shot and a willingness to drive into Grade-A ice for greasy scoring bids, his scoring touch is a welcome addition for a franchise looking to inject more skill into its depth chart. Zellers said he models his game after another player who grew up in Minnesota, Jake Guentzel . At 5-11 and 179 pounds, Guentzel's blistering shot and offensive instincts have helped him score 30-plus goals five times. It remains to be seen if Zellers can replicate that type of production in the NHL ranks, but the winger, who will attend North Dakota in the fall, isn't looking too far ahead as he tries to build off his breakout USHL season. 'They were just talking to me, telling me not to look too much into it — that I'm still a great player,' Zellers said of Boston's message to him after the trade. 'Kind of wanted to make sure that I wasn't questioning myself and my worth and what's wrong with me. So they were just very reassuring about it and just told me to keep playing how it's playing throughout the year. They're really happy with my game.' Advertisement Vashek Blanar looked to take big strides as the Bruins opened development camp. Ken McGagh for The Boston Globe Once an unknown, Blanar stands out early Vashek Blanar couldn't help but scroll through his phone on Saturday afternoon. On the day he found out that 'I've seen a lot on Twitter and YouTube — like, 'Who's this guy?' 'If you Google his name, he doesn't exist.' It's been pretty fun to see that," Blanar said. Despite Blanar's intriguing skillset as a 6-4 defenseman with poised offensive instincts, the Colorado native, who moved back to his parents' native Czechia when he was 4 years old, wasn't exactly viewed as a hot commodity. Related : Blanar was omitted from several draft rankings after the raw prospect spent last season skating in the Swedish junior leagues. The returns Monday were encouraging. The big-bodied blue liner moved the puck cleanly during drills while also wiring a few shots home from the point. Another year in Sweden awaits, but Blanar is excited to join the same organization as Pastrnak, his favorite player. 'I followed him a lot,' Blanar said of Pastrnak, who himself spent two years in Sweden before turning pro. 'It's always been a dream of mine to play in Boston. No. 7 overall draft pick James Hagens joined the other prospective Bruins at development camp. Ken McGagh for The Boston Globe Loose pucks Count Zellers among those who are Oskar Jellvik did not make the trek from Sweden as he recovers from an upper-body injury. 'He's tracking fine,' McQuaid said … Dean Letourneau , Advertisement Conor Ryan can be reached at
