The New York Rangers have finally found a taker for Lias Andersson. The former top prospect is on his way to the Los Angeles Kings in exchange for the 60th overall pick in today’s draft. With the pick, the Rangers have selected William Cuylle.
Andersson was selected seventh overall in 2017 and is still actually under his entry-level contract, but has been playing in the SHL for some time. His father happens to be a scout in the Los Angeles organization and should have a good handle on how to go about the young forward’s development.
Even in 2017, Andersson was a surprise selection by the Rangers. He had been expected to go much lower in the first round, but New York obviously thought that he could become a star in the league. The biggest appeal for the young center was how polished he was, and Andersson proved it by playing seven games with the Rangers in that first year.
Unfortunately, the relationship quickly went downhill when he kept getting sent back to the minor leagues and the two sides eventually split last season. Andersson requested a trade and returned to the SHL where he has played since. He was even supposed to stay in Sweden for the 2020-21 season, though that will obviously be reconsidered now that he is in a different organization.
Perhaps the Kings can get the best out of the 21-year-old, but Andersson is heading into the final year of his entry-level contract. If he doesn’t receive an NHL opportunity right away, there is still the chance that he heads back to Sweden next offseason.
Great buy low for LAK
I don’t like surrendering a 2nd for a bust….also plays a position we are stacked at. Would have rather had another defensemen, forward or even a goalie prospect. Really head scratching for me
he is a forward? he may be listed as a C but they can likely move him to wing with their centre depth.
it’s a late 2nd, not sure there is all that much downside here. plus his dad is in the LA org so might light a fire under him
Or maybe nepotism is the only reason they traded for him. “No seriously, I know he’s my son, but as a scout he is the best player I have ever seen!”
I guess so but boasting is -30 and doesn’t score points and he is 21 years old….in his draft year he was projected to be a late first when rangers randomly jumped up to take him at 7. Reclamation project rarely work out even with upside. Guess we will see
@The Mistake of Giving Eugene Melnyk a Liver Transplant – Good One, Randy! :)
“No seriously, I know he’s my son, but as a scout he is the best player I have ever seen!” You have my word on that!
-Signed,
Joe Isuzu
I’m just glad Ranger fans can’t use him in trade proposals anymore aha
Now, maybe LA fans will think that they can trade for William Nylander.
@The Mistake of Giving Eugene Melnyk a Liver Transplant – But Kyle *promised* he wouldn’t trade him! ;)
He will be a bust for the Kings anyways that’s why the Rangers got rid of him.. Attitude and problems will follow…
My thoughts too, terrible trade in my opinion
I have to agree with the consensus on this one. It’s head scratching on why the Kings would pull the trigger on this trade. You have a kid that clearly has attitude problems and has so far been a bust with only 1 year left of control for a second round prospect that we could have for the next 4 years. This makes no sense but hey, maybe he contributes. We’ll see.
what a steal for NYR