The New York Rangers’ prospect Lias Andersson was recently returned to Sweden, to play for Frolunda. Let’s explore how this will affect his development.
When the New York Rangers selected Lias Andersson with the 7th overall pick, he was advertised as NHL ready right away. However, the Rangers other first round pick, Filip Chytil, stole the show in the preseason. This took the coveted third line center position away.
While it was disappointing at first to see a touted NHL ready prospect be sent back, all is not lost. Far from it, in fact. Returning Lias Andersson to Sweden is the best thing the Rangers could have done for him.
Just because a player has an NHL ready style does not necessarily mean they themselves are prepared for the grind of an NHL season. The Rangers have learned this in the past with players like Manny Malhotra and Jamie Lundmark. They are not keen on making that same mistake again.
With that, let’s explore what this move means for the Rangers and Andersson:
Frolunda
First thing’s first; if Lias Andersson were to play with any SHL team, Frolunda is the best one to play for. Arguably the most famed hockey team in Sweden, Frolunda has been responsible for the development of many NHL players. It is also regularly one of the strongest teams in the league. They are Sweden’s Toronto Maple Leafs, more or less.
You might also recognize the name of the team from somewhere else. That is because it is the team that developed Henrik and Joel Lundqvist. Lias Andersson will be playing the season with Henrik’s twin brother, a nice connection to have as a Ranger prospect.
Furthermore, getting a role with a famed, playoff team will help Andersson to adapt to playing for a large market. He will learn to handle the pressure of a long grind, knowing his expectations will always be to play his best game. Developments in the psychological aspects of the game are just as important as the physical.
Role
One thing about Frolunda that Rangers fans can look forward to is their penchant for playing young players. Often times, European leagues, in particular the KHL, favor veterans in the lineup, reducing their prospective NHLers to fourth liners, or worse.
Frolunda currently employs seven players 21 or under, two of whom are teenagers. Andersson is one of those, and projected first overall pick in 2018 Rasmus Dahlin is the other. Frolunda has always been keen on playing youth, and it has worked out well for both the players and the team.
So, with that, Andersson can expect to play decent minutes in a top nine role, with powerplay and penalty kill time. He will be surrounded by veterans and players his age alike, who will be sure to make him feel as comfortable as possible. Playing in a men’s league with the best team in that league gives the young Andersson invaluable experience going forward.
Next: Player Profile: Filip Chytil
If Andersson has a big year, he will be with the Rangers almost certainly for next season. He was already close enough to NHL ready this season. A strong year in Sweden will mature him and prepare him for the NHL as perfectly as possible. Look forward to seeing Andersson take on a big role with the Rangers as soon as next season.