The Los Angeles Kings have announced that they have re-signed forward Lias Andersson to a one-year, two-way contract worth about $875,000. The deal was announced on Friday afternoon. Andersson was traded to the Kings from the New York Rangers for a second-round pick in the 2020 NHL Entry Draft.
NEWS: The LA Kings have signed @LiasAndersson to a one-year, two-way contract.
— LA Kings (@LAKings) July 30, 2021
Lias Andersson Re-ups With Los Angeles Kings
Andersson split last season between the Kings and their AHL affiliate Ontario Reign. In 23 games with the Kings, Andersson scored three goals and three assists for six points. However, he was lights out in the AHL, scoring six goals and 11 assists for 17 points in 15 games.
The 22-year-old has appeared in 89 games during his short career, where he has scored six goals and nine assists for 15 points. While he hasn’t quite lived up to the hype of being a seventh overall pick in 2017, he still has a ton of time to develop. It was clear Andersson needed a change of scenery. So far, he has faired better in Los Angeles than he did in New York.
Andersson Provides Solid Depth for the Kings
One thing Andersson provides is a solid depth option for the Kings. Andersson will battle for a spot on the opening night roster come October. Although he may get beat out by what is now a surprisingly deep Kings roster, Andersson would be the first called up if there was an injury. Andersson showed during his time in the AHL that he doesn’t belong there. He scored at over a point per game pace and once making the jump to the NHL found some production in limited minutes. Andersson is effective in all three zones. His strong two-way style of play is something coaches love to see especially in young players. Despite the slow start to his career, Andersson looks to be on the way up. There’s a real possibility we see him with the Kings on opening night.
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