LA Kings: First round targets if NHL Draft started today, Part V
In the final installment of this series, we look at another player the LA Kings can target with their first-round pick in Swedish forward Fabian Lysell.
Wrapping up this five-part series, I’ve saved my favorite prospect the LA Kings will have a legitimate chance to take in the 2021 NHL Draft. The Kings could certainly use more speed, but they can also use another goal scorer. Fabian Lysell fulfills both of these needs. He is, in every sense of the phrase, a dynamic playmaker.
Let’s dive in.
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Fabian Lysell, RW
Vitals
- Age: 18
- Height: 5’10”
- Weight: 172 lbs
- Shot: R
Rankings
- Ranked #10 by CONSOLIDATED RANKING
- Ranked #10 by ELITEPROSPECTS.COM
- Ranked #10 by FCHOCKEY
- Ranked #10 by NEUTRAL ZONE
- Ranked #9 by MCKEEN’S HOCKEY
- Ranked #8 by RECRUIT SCOUTING
- Ranked #3 by DOBBERPROSPECTS
- Ranked #9 by DRAFT PROSPECTS HOCKEY
- Ranked #5 by SMAHT SCOUTING
- Ranked #14 by THE PUCK AUTHORITY
- Ranked #12 by TSN/McKenzie
Scouting Report
February 2021 – Lysell requested a trade so that he could play in the SHL and he has shown that he is more than capable of it with Luleå. Despite only collecting two goals in his 16 SHL games, Lysell has been a very solid player at the SHL level. His ability to affect the game away from the puck has kept him in Luleå’s lineup. He does so many of the little things right and he has been generating more and more chances offensively as he’s acclimated. He plays with a pace unmatched in the draft class, attacking each play like it’s game seven. He understands that his game is at it’s best when he plays without fear. He gets in on the forecheck aggressively and attacks puck carriers in defensive transitions. He strips pucks and disrupts play consistently with his excellent anticipation. His ability to play at such a high speed and pace and the touch to make a soft pass at those high-speeds is a trait few others in the class possess. His reckless abandon can come back to bite him at times as he can get himself into positions that he has a disadvantage in physically. He generally has the requisite skill to get himself out of those spots with silky smooth hands and a motor that never stops. His rise has made him a darkhorse choice for first overall. If his production can see some improvement, he could work his way to the forefront. Dobber Prospects/Ferrari
Production
Video Highlights
Pro Comparison
Final Thoughts
Playing for Team Sweden in the U18 World Juniors, Fabian Lysell has been over a point-per-game player, tallying three goals and seven points in just five games. He was dominating play for Frölunda HC J20 before his trade request to the SHL.
Watching his film, it’s no surprise that he’s been shooting up draft boards with an average ranking around the sixth- or seventh-best overall prospect in this draft class. Some scouts even see him going number one overall, especially if he continues to do things like this.
Fabian Lysell are you kidding me!? pic.twitter.com/qhMDgMcguI
— /Cam Robinson/ (@Hockey_Robinson) May 4, 2021
Lysell can absolutely fly up-ice. The Kings have a long history of taking talent from Sweden and the 18-year-old right-winger could eventually be a long-term replacement for Dustin Brown on the LA Kings’ top line.
Lysell is a player who will chase loose pucks, carry them through the neutral zone and attack the goaltender without hesitation. He has quick hands and dynamic skating that will make his future NHL team very happy.