Rangers ship out first rounder Lias Andersson!

Sometimes, you just need a fresh start. That’s what the New York Rangers are offering forward Lias Andersson, trading him to the Los Angeles Kings in return of the 60th overall pick of the 2020 NHL Draft.

Moments after announcing the trade, the Rangers selected forward William Cuylle with the pick. 

It was easy to see that Andersson was not happy with the Rangers. Last season, he left the Rangers’ AHL affiliate, the Hartford Wolf Pack, after issuing a trade demand. He later joined the HV71 on loan and put up seven goals and 12 points in 15 games for the team to conclude the 2019-20 season. 

The 21-year-old Swede was selected seventh overall and has shown flashes of skill in the 66 games that he has played with the Rangers. But, like most young players, consistency is a problem with Andersson. You’ll find few scouts who think the kid is NHL ready, but he apparently isn’t in agreement that he needs some AHL seasoning. He had just four goals and five points in 13 AHL games and just one assist in 17 NHL games with the Rangers this season.

Let’s hope the move to L.A. helps him out.