The Boston Bruins traded 2021 first-round pick Fabian Lysell to the Colorado Avalanche in exchange for forward Ivan Ivan, bringing an abrupt end to a frustrating NHL stint that never quite found traction.
The Bruins moved on from Fabian Lysell on a Saturday that felt like more than a roster adjustment. Boston traded the 2021 first-round pick to the Colorado Avalanche for forward Ivan Ivan, ending a tenure that never matched the optimism that surrounded his draft class.
Lysell, selected 21st overall in the 2021 NHL Draft, appeared in only 12 games with the Bruins. Through that time, he finished with one goal and two assists.
The trade sends Ivan to Boston after a season built mostly in the AHL. Ivan, 23, played 66 games with the Colorado Eagles during the 2025-26 campaign, scoring 11 goals and 15 assists for 26 points. He has also appeared in 49 total games with the Avalanche, where he has scored five goals and nine total points.
For the Bruins, it’s a shift from what they were hoping Lysell would become: a high-upside NHL contributor. When Boston drafted him with the 21st pick. the organization expected a speedy. high-skilled winger—an approach that stood out from the kinds of players Boston typically targets higher in the draft boards. In Boston’s favor. Lysell had shown offensive tools. and for a while. the NHL reps carried the promise that the upside could translate.
But the NHL production never arrived at the level the selection suggested. Lysell’s development stalled around the edges of the Bruins lineup, and his NHL chances have largely been limited. He played four full seasons in the AHL with the Providence Bruins, recording 163 points—57 goals and 106 assists—in 219 games.
There were opportunities along the way, including training camp in 2024 and 2025, when the expectation was that Lysell would make a stronger push for a consistent role. Instead, he never carved out the regular NHL position the Bruins needed.
The decision also leaves a mark on how the 2021 Bruins draft is being remembered. Boston’s 2021 first-round pick has now left the organization. and other selections from that class have moved on in different ways. Brett Harrison, selected 85th overall, was traded to the Flyers. Philip Svedeback, taken 117th overall, remains with Boston holding his rights. Oskar Jellvik, drafted 149th overall, signed in Sweden. Ryan Mast, selected 181st overall, was traded to Chicago. Andre Gasseau, taken 213th overall, was traded to San Jose. Ty Gallagher, picked 217th overall, signed a two-year AHL contract with Providence.
For Lysell. the trade closes the chapter on his early Boston dream—one that began with a first-round selection and ended with limited NHL output. For the Bruins. it’s a clear signal that the organization is choosing a different path after a stint that didn’t deliver the offensive breakthrough it promised. And for Colorado. it brings in a former top-21 pick in the hopes that a change of scenery can finally unlock the potential that has been waiting for the right fit.
Boston Bruins Fabian Lysell Colorado Avalanche Ivan Ivan NHL trade 2021 NHL Draft Providence Bruins Colorado Eagles
Wow 12 games for a 1st round pick is just yikes.
So they traded Lysell for Ivan Ivan?? Is that real or is this like a hockey version of name cheese? I mean if Lysell only had 1 goal and 2 assists then yeah move on.
I don’t get it because AHL stats are not the same as NHL stats but they’re acting like it’s the missing piece. Like Ivan had 26 points in 66 with Colorado Eagles, so that’s good I guess, but still… Bruins better not regret this.
Bruins fans wanted a speedy skilled winger and he turned into… whatever this was. But it’s also kind of weird they drafted him at 21st and then acted surprised he didn’t become a superstar. Meanwhile Ivan was just sitting in the AHL forever, so I’m like are they just swapping one disappointment for another? I guess we’ll see though, I’m honestly tired of the Bruins changing people out every season.