Former New York Rangers top-10 pick officially leaves the NHL
Following two seasons with little use by the Los Angeles Kings and Montreal Canadiens, former New York Rangers top-10 pick Lias Andersson has officially left the NHL.
The New York Rangers had the opportunity to pull in a future NHL star in 2017 with their 7th overall draft pick. Despite the availability of a young Martin Necas, they opted for Swedish forward Lias Andersson, who quickly signed a three-year ELC.
"OFFICIAL: #NYR have agreed to terms with forward Lias Andersson on a three-year, entry-level contract."
However, Andersson was unable to put up enough fight on the ice for New York to be willing to retain the young player. The Rangers than decided to trade him to the Los Angeles Kings for their 60th overall pick Will Cullye.
"🚨 NHL TRADE ALERT 🚨
The Los Angeles Kings have acquired Lias Andersson from the New York Rangers for the 60th overall pick (Will Cuylle). #GoKingsGo #NYR"
The Los Angeles Kings have acquired Lias Andersson from the New York Rangers for the 60th overall pick (Will Cuylle). #GoKingsGo #NYR"
After another few unimpressive years, the Los Angeles Kings only allowed him one game in the 2022-2023 regular season. He was then traded to the Canadiens, who placed Andersosn to the Laval Rockets in the AHL, not granting him a single NHL game for the 2023-2024 season.
"The Montréal Canadiens have assigned C Lias Andersson and C Philippe Maillet to Laval (AHL).
#GoHabsGo"
#GoHabsGo"
Clearly tired of not performing in the highest hockey league in the world, the Laval Rockets and Montreal Canadiens have officially said goodbye to Andersson. The Swedish forward has now signed with Biel-Bienne in Switzerland for two years starting next season.
"Montréal Canadiens' pending restricted free agent (RFA) C Lias Andersson has signed a two-year contract with Biel-Bienne (NL), beginning next season (2024-25)."
Though he could not provide a real showing in the NHL in only 110 games, Lias Andersson was tied for the lead in club goals and ranked fourth on the team for points with 45 in 53 games. While it is clear the forward could not make a name for himself here, hopefully, he can find what he is looking for in Switzerland.
"Andersson tied for the club lead with 21 goals, ranking four on the team with 45 points, in 53 contests with Laval (AHL) this season. The seventh-overall pick in 2017 accumulated 17 points in 110 games in the NHL, most recently playing for the Kings in 2022-23."
| POLL | ||
JUIN 19 | 94 ANSWERS Former New York Rangers top-10 pick officially leaves the NHL Will the Montreal Canadiens regret not using Lias Andersson while in the NHL? | ||
| Yes | 47 | 50 % |
| No | 47 | 50 % |
| LIST OF POLLS | ||
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