Canucks: Should they pick Fabian Lysell with the ninth overall pick?

What are the experts saying?

First, we look into what Nick Richard of Dobber Prospects had to say on what he thought of Lysell’s gameplay.

“Lysell’s greatest attribute is his skating, with speed to burn and the agility to adjust and play through traffic. He is an excellent puck handler and can make moves at high speed, as well as in tight around the net. He lacks size and strength but does a good job of protecting the puck on his outside hip while looking to make a play. Lysell hunts pucks while closing quickly on the forecheck and does well to evade defenders in confined spaces by using his low center of gravity to get underneath checks. Able to turn on a dime due to his great edges and ability to transfer weight quickly, Lysell is slippery along the boards. He is a responsible defensive player who supports the play well in the offensive zone and does an even better job of tracking the play in defensive transition, taking intelligent angles in pursuit.”

Another take would be from Alexander Appleyard of Smaht Scouting, who looked deeper into what Lysell brings to the ice.

“Dynamic is an understatement when it comes to Lysell. His combination of hands and speed are breath-taking. It is rare for even an experienced, skilled, NHL player to have the puck control, poise and confidence to make the moves Lysell does with ease in full-stride. Puck-on-a-string comes to mind. His feel make it seems like he was born with a stick in his hands, or simply that it is an extension of his body itself. Even good defensemen at the u-18 international level get a deer-in-headlights look when Lysell picks their side of ice to attack. For good reason. He often makes them look like pee-wee players as they end up a foot-note in an ever expanding highlight reel.”

Where is he ranked?

#12 by TSN’s Bob McKenzie

#9 by NHL Central Scouting among European skaters

#9 by The Hockey Writer‘s Matthew Zator

#7 by EliteProspects

#3 by DobberProspects

#9 by SmahtScouting

#10 by FCHockey

Why should the Canucks consider him?

Lysell is known for a being a skilled winger and has potential to be a solid NHL top six winger with his incredible puck-handling. He makes it tough for defenders to take the puck away, but is also able to retrieve it quickly if he does lose it. The Swede is also a very good playmaker with excellent vision and passing. Plus, his shot isn’t too bad, either.

What makes Lysell stand out from other players in this draft is his skating ability. Arguably the best skater in the draft, Lysell is quick on the ice with great acceleration and edgework, allowing him to transition well up the ice.

His skating and hands are put on full display as he scored this ridiculous goal against the United States at the U-18 tournament. You might want to watch it more than once.

Lysell is pretty good defensively, too. His speeds makes him effective on the back check and he is great at using his stick to steal the puck without taking a penalty. This is all put on display below.

The only concern with Lysell might be his size but, in the modern NHL, size doesn’t seem to matter as much, as long as you can make up for it in other aspects of your game.

At the end of the day, Lysell would be a good draft pick for the Canucks.

It would be nice to have a fast and skilled winger added to the prospect pool, especially one that could potentially be a top-six forward with the club in the future. Of course, some might argue that the Canucks would be better off picking a right-handed defenceman, or even a centre. Both are positions that need to be addressed, but if Lysell is still available at ninth, they should definitely consider snagging him.

Lysell talked about his game, the upcoming draft and the Canucks on the Canucks Conversation Podcast hosted by Chris Faber and David Quadrelli of Canucks Army, both of whom are former Canuck Way writers.  You can listen to it here, with Lysel coming on at 29:48.

Want to learn more about Lysell? Will Scouch of the Scouching Youtube channel takes a deeper dive below.

Should the Canucks draft Lysell with the ninth overall pick? Let us know in the comments below, and make sure to check out our next piece on who else the team could select in the first round this year!