There were no trades in the first round of the 2020 NHL Draft, but things are picking up in the second round. Today Elliotte Friedman tweeted this trade:
NYR trades Lias Andersson to LA for this next pick.
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) October 7, 2020
Lias Andersson Traded to Los Angeles Kings
Lias Andersson, you’ll remember was the the seventh overall pick in the 2017 NHL Draft chosen by the New York Rangers. The Rangers received that pick from the Arizona Coyotes who received Derek Stepan and Antti Raanta. The Rangers also acquired defenceman Anthony DeAngelo in the deal. With the seventh pick the Rangers went with Andersson and he has just not worked out in the NHL… yet. He has only had three goals and six assists in 66 NHL games.
The Rangers gave Andersson a shot to be a regular during the 2018-19 season. He only tallied two goals and four assists in 42 games. He was a bit undisciplined taking 29 minutes in penalties. The 5′-11″, 198 pound centre who hails from Smogen, Sweden has not reached his peak yet. The Los Angeles Kings thought it well worth giving up the 60th pick for an original seventh pick to see what he can do. He will need to improve upon his low possession numbers if he wishes to stay in the NHL. His 41.7 Corsi For and -3.4 Relative Corsi are nothing to brag about.
The New York Rangers selected William Cuylle with the 60th selection.
What This Means Going Forward
The Kings are hoping that Andersson can get his head straight and play to the expectation the Rangers had for him when they took him in the 2017 draft. He is a centre but can play on either wing if needed. Perhaps that versatility is what the Kings are looking for in the young prospect.
He possesses suburb hockey knowledge and awareness, great play-making skills, and a net driving force. Now if he can utilize those skills, he will be fine and the Kings will be glad they traded for him. All of that is to be determined, so we’ll see what the future holds for Lias Andersson.
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