The Boston Bruins entered July 1 with a good amount of cap space. Because of this, there was an expectation that they would look to address some of their biggest roster needs, like a top-six winger and a top-four, right-shot defenseman. However, the Bruins instead brought in several bottom-six forwards.

Tanner Jeannot, Michael Eyssimont, and Sean Kuraly are a few bottom-six players the Bruins signed on July 1. They also acquired Viktor Arvidsson, who should have a spot in their middle six next season. With this, things are now very crowded with the Bruins' forward group, and that could ultimately spell trouble for 2021 first-round pick Fabian Lysell. 

It is starting to feel like a now-or-never situation for Lysell, as he will turn 23 next season in January. He has now played three full seasons in the American Hockey League (AHL) with the Providence Bruins, so now feels like the time that he should get a real long-term shot at the NHL level with Boston. Yet, with the Bruins' forward group being so crowded, it is hard to find a spot for him in their lineup right now.

Besides the additions of Arvidsson, Jeannot, Eyssimont, the Bruins also already have forwards like Mark Kastelic, John Beecher, Marat Khusnutdinov, and Matthew Poitras as options for their NHL roster. Thus, there just isn't much room for a prospect like Lysell to find his way onto Boston's roster. This could change if the Bruins move out some of their surplus of bottom-six forwards, but time will tell what happens on that front. 

It will be very interesting to see if Lysell can beat the odds and earn himself a spot on the Bruins' opening night roster next season. However, he will need to stand out big time during camp, as he has far more competition after the Bruins' July 1 shopping spree. 

Ex-Canadiens Defender Should Shine With Bruins The <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/boston-bruins">Boston Bruins</a> had a busy July 1, as they brought in an array of new players. Former Montreal Canadiens defenseman Jordan Harris was among them, as the Bruins signed the Haverill, Massachusetts native to a one-year, $825,000 contract for the 2025-26 season.

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