When the Colorado Avalanche traded for Fabian Lysell earlier this summer, the deal seemed like a practicality. The club wasn’t going to sign Ivan Ivan, and the Boston Bruins weren’t going to sign Lysell.
So, it seemed like one of those deals in which teams trade prospects they know they won’t keep.
But looking at the overall series of moves the Avalanche have made this offseason, it doesn’t seem like Lysell really fits into the team’s lineup.
Yes, Lysell is a former first-round pick. As such, he still has a bit of an upside that a contender like Colorado could certainly use. After all, players like Lysell aren’t the sort of pieces teams can acquire for an undrafted fringe NHLer.
That said, there might still be a chance for Lysell to turn into a legit scoring winger. It’s worth noting that Artturi Lehkonen is in the final year of his deal. So, is Nic Roy. That’s why, thinking 10 moves ahead, a good season from Lysell this year could open the door for a permanent spot should Roy or Lehkonen not return in 2027-28.
But there might be something else at play here. Sure, the Avalanche will want to give Lysell the chance to prove himself in the lineup. If he does, the Avs could have a valuable trade chip come trade deadline time.
That’s something that a contending club like the Avalanche will need moving forward.
For Lysell, he could see this as an opportunity he’s worthy of a full-time NHL role somewhere. So, a team willing to acquire him could sign the 23-year-old to a multi-year extension down the line.
That all depends on how well he fits into the overall scheme of things in Colorado. At worst, he might be a decent fit for the Eagles in the AHL. Since he’ll still be an RFA next summer, there could be an opportunity to give him another chance elsewhere.
But that’s getting ahead of ourselves here. The key will be for Lysell to prove he’s got what it takes to hang with the big boys. If he does, who knows, Lysell could become a sneaky good deal by Joe Sakic.
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