Disgruntled New York Rangers prospect Lias Andersson is apparently still upset with his NHL club. The 21-year-old forward was loaned to the SHL’s HV71 in his native Sweden in late January after he had requested a trade out of New York in December. However, after a lengthy amount of time apart, the Rangers decided to offer Andersson a spot at training camp and on their playoff roster, according to the New York Post’s Larry Brooks. However, Brooks reports that a source told the Post that Andersson has declined this invitation and will remain in Sweden. This could very well be the last straw for the Rangers and Andersson.
Andersson, the seventh overall pick in 2017, has openly expressed his displeasure with his role in New York and it eventually led him out of town. The problem is that the talented forward does not have the numbers to back up his argument. Yes, Andersson is a skilled player who flashed incredible offensive ability in the SHL at a very young age and was worthy of his draft slot. However, in three seasons in North America the young center has recorded just nine points in 66 NHL games and 39 points in 74 AHL games. The production simply has not matched the hype and few would fault the Rangers for using Andersson sparingly while they wait for his talent to catch up with the pace of NHL play.
Unfortunately, it now seems like the Rangers are unlikely to see Andersson reach his potential (if he ever does). With bridges all but burnt, Brooks expects that he will remain in Sweden until he is traded. However, The Athletic’s Rick Carpiniello does point out that Andersson is under contract with New York next season and the Rangers will have the final say as to where he plays. Regardless, that is unlikely to be the Big Apple. It’s all hands on deck for the Rangers, one of the more unlikely playoff teams in the NHL’s expanded postseason, but when Andersson is needed the most, he has opted not to answer the bell. For a player lauded for his work ethic and leadership ability in the draft process, Andersson has failed the Rangers at every turn and they likely face little choice now but to try to get a fair return back for the troubled prospect.
I hate this entitled kid
Hard to blame him when Quinn stapled him to some combination of Glass, Haley and Smith on the bottom line. It’s easy to look bad and feel you deserve more when that’s the case. I wouldn’t be surprised if his NHL experience is what led to struggles in the AHL as well. He’s in desperate need of a fresh start in an organization where he can get a real chance.
He’s a punk isn’t he? You’d think the rangers would have figured this kid’s attitude out well ahead of drafting him.
What’s fair return at this point? Like a prospect and 2nd or 3rd depending on how good the prospect is. Maybe this fall there will be another disgruntled player not name Jesse puljujarvi that they can trade with. Kinda like the Strome for Spooner one, that certainly worked out well for the rangers
total bust like Puljujarvi
Their trade with the Yotes was smart but they complelty wasted the pick.
I am sorry but don’t blame the coaching staff here with this guy. Any player that throws a silver metal over the boards after captaining his team is not even worth a bag of pucks… His attitude is like every other young kid from Europe I am sooo good I am going to play in the big show on the top line.. Well I got news for alot of teams stay clear… And to the rangers leave him in Europe.. Take this as a loss in the draft…..
Agreed. But De Angelo has made it a good deal
I do totally agree DE Angelo is a war horse. If Rangers can trade this kid do it but don’t expect much in return…
Completely agree.