New York Rangers part with former first-rounder Lias Andersson

Perhaps this was inevitable given everything that's happened since drafting him. The New York Rangers have decided to part ways with former 7th overall pick in 2017 Lias Andersson. He was traded to the Los Angeles Kings during the second round of the draft for the 60th overall pick.

Andersson started as a highly touted prospect. He made his NHL debut with the Rangers in March of 2018, scoring the first NHL goal of his career. Things seemed to be going well until Andersson failed to make the team out of training camp at the beginning of last season. He was sent to the Hartford Wolf Pack of the AHL and apparently wasn't happy about it. He was recalled in November, but was quickly sent back down. In December of 2019, TSN's Darren Dreger reported that Andersson had demanded a trade from the Rangers. He was eventually sent back to Europe to play with HV71 of the Swedish Hockey League, where he's been ever since.

In an interview last month, Andersson admitted to not being in a good place when he was demoted to the AHL, stating the fear of failure started to take him over.

“I did a lot of stupid things. I have smashed lamps, mirrors, trash cans and of course a bunch of sticks. In addition, I could completely unnecessarily start arguments with [referees] and opponents," he said.

Late last week, Andersson was suspended for five games by the SHL, in addition to a fine, for a dangerous check to the head of Jonas Berglund. For anyone who might not remember, Andersson caused a stir at the World Junior Championship in 2018 when he tossed his silver medal into the crowd after Team Sweden lost the gold medal to Canada. Andersson was captain of Team Sweden that year.

It's worth noting his father serves as a European scout for the L.A., so there is a connection to his new team. The Rangers selected forward William Cuylle with the 60th pick.

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