Lohrei, Lysell to Miss Dev Camp
Two of the Bruins' top prospects will miss next week's Development Camp, according to Sweeney. Defenseman Mason Lohrei (58th overall in 2020) is recovering from a knee procedure and will not participate in any on-ice activities, though he will attend the week-long camp at Warrior Ice Arena. Winger Fabian Lysell (21st overall in 2021) is unlikely to be in Boston as he prepares for the rescheduled 2022 IIHF World Junior Championship in August, during which he'll represent Sweden.
"We've talked to Fabian Lysell. He's going to the World Juniors in August, so that may be too much on his plate to think about making multiple trips," said Sweeney. "Which means he would take the World Juniors and lead right into time with us and then Rookie Camp and such, which, you know, is an extended period of time. So going back and forth may or may not be beneficial to him."
When it comes to where Lysell may start next season, Sweeney said the 19-year-old will ultimately determine that based on his performance this fall.
"He'll determine where he plays next year," said Sweeney. "Boston, Providence, or Vancouver [WHL]. We think he's certainly talented enough to play in any one of those three places, and he's proven he can put up big numbers in the WHL and see if physically he can handle the next steps, be it in Boston or in Providence. We're excited about what his progression will dictate."
Sweeney also mentioned forward
Joona Koppanen as a player that could potentially push for playing time at the NHL level next season. The 24-year-old center, selected in the fifth round of the 2016 NHL Draft, has spent parts of the last five seasons with Providence. Koppanen signed a one-year, two-way extension on June 2.
"Joona Koppanen finished the year really well, was contemplating going back [to Europe] and wanted to know what his opportunity was and what it might look like," said Sweeney. "So, there's a player that, in deciding to return, felt close to potentially pushing for an NHL spot. Obviously, we're anticipating that Jack [Studnicka] comes back in the summer, and what the opportunity looks like there.
"We're not forcing Lysells and [Jakub] Laukos and [Johnny] Beechers, but we have a lot of guys that are ready to come in with their ears pinned back and see if they can take a spot. We're excited about that and the opportunity, with the injuries, is certainly going to present itself."