In an interesting move, the New York Rangers assigned top pick Lias Andersson to the AHL. The young forward had been on loan to Frolunda in Sweden, but will now join the Rangers organization and suit up for the Hartford Wolf Pack. The team has also recalled Anthony DeAngelo and Daniel Catenacci as they deal with injuries to Kevin Hayes and Marc Staal.
Andersson was part of the silver medal-winning Swedish World Junior Team earlier this month, captaining the squad even through a shoulder injury and recording seven points in seven games. He infamously threw his medal into the crowd after receiving it, frustrated by the late goal Sweden allowed to lose the tournament. Though he eventually got the medal returned and expressed his regret for the action, it certainly will go down as part of international hockey lore as Sweden continues to struggle in the medal rounds of the U20 tournament.
More importantly, an assignment to the AHL could mean Andersson is on his way to the Rangers this season. Impressive in training camp, there was some speculation that he would start the year with the team despite his young age and inexperience. With 14 points in 22 SHL games, Andersson once again showed off his high upside at both ends of the rink and could be an option for the Rangers up front at some point this season.