The Providence Bruins have been dominant to start the 2025-26 season, sitting atop the Atlantic Division with an impressive 11-1-0 record. A big part of their early success has been the standout performances from several top players, including Boston Bruins prospect Fabian Lysell.
Lysell has had a strong start to the 2025-26 season, recording six goals, five assists, and 11 points in just 11 games. His offensive contributions have continued in recent games, with two goals and four points in his last three appearances. This hot streak is a positive sign for the 2021 first-round pick, who has been playing an integral role in Providence’s early success.
“Lysell has had a strong start to the 2025-26 season, recording six goals, five assists, and 11 points in 11 games.” — The Providence Bruins, 2025-26 Season Report
As one of the Bruins’ top prospects, Lysell’s strong play in the AHL is a promising sign for the future. If he continues to shine for Providence, a call-up to Boston’s roster may be imminent. Lysell made his NHL debut last season, playing 12 games for the Bruins where he scored one goal and recorded three points.
With Lysell continuing to impress in the minors, his development is on the right track. If he maintains this level of performance, it may not be long before he gets another shot at the NHL, potentially making an impact for the Boston Bruins in the near future. For now, he remains a key player for Providence, developing into a promising talent for the Bruins’ future.
After securing a playoff spot for the first time since 2020, the Chicago Cubs are determined to stay competitive and build on their success in 2025. As the offseason kicks off, the Cubs made an early move that may fly under the radar but could have future implications for the team.
Chicago has signed pitcher Sam Mettert to a minor league deal, according to Jesse Rogers of ESPN. A native of Chicago, Mettert recently completed his college career at St. John’s, where he graduated in 2025. During his time at St. John’s, Mettert impressed scouts by reaching a fastball velocity of 98 MPH while training at Tread Athletics.
In two seasons with St. John’s, Mettert posted a 7.17 ERA and a 51/33 K/BB ratio. While those numbers may not be eye-popping, the Cubs clearly see potential in the right-hander, particularly with his ability to hit high-velocity marks.
“I chose to forgo grad school for this new minor league opportunity. The right-hander has the velocity for success. Now I’ll look to prove I can handle minor league hitting.”
— Sam Mettert, Chicago Cubs Pitching Prospect
Mettert’s college statistics might raise questions about his ability to succeed at the next level, as he struggled with a high walk rate and issues preventing runs. Nevertheless, the Cubs are betting on his raw talent and velocity, believing that with the right development, he could be a valuable asset to the organization.
At this point, it’s unclear where Mettert will start his journey in the Cubs’ system, but it’s likely that he will begin in the lower minors as the Cubs evaluate how his skills translate to professional baseball. He faces an uphill battle to make an impact, but his hometown connection with the team gives him an extra layer of motivation as he embarks on this next step.
Mettert, who chose to forgo graduate school for this opportunity, will now work to prove that he can handle minor league hitters and eventually make it to the major leagues. If things go well, the Cubs may have found a diamond in the rough to add to their pitching depth down the line. For now, it’s a low-risk move with high potential, and it adds to the Cubs’ ongoing efforts to strengthen their roster for the future.