New York Rangers: Stock market risers and fallers from 1/1-1/7
Up: Lias Andersson
This past summer, the Rangers traded backup goalie Antti Raanta and center Derek Stepan to the Arizona Coyotes for defenseman Tony DeAngelo and the seventh overall pick. The pick was used to select Swedish center Lias Andersson. This decision left some people scratching their heads, the team traded their number one center for a safe pick. Most were confused as to why the Rangers went with Andersson over more polished prospects such as Casey Middlestadt or Gabe Villardi.
Much like Filip Chytil, his play during the World Junior Championships has proven that he is the real deal. Team Sweden clearly highly values his leadership skills and named him captain of the junior team. Andersson is also starting to prove himself as a leader at just 19 years old. Although some may be opposed to how he reacted to winning a silver medal, it showed the competitive spirit within.
Andersson has been an offensive machine this tournament. Andersson finished with six goals and one assist for seven points in seven games. Sweden made it all the way to the finals where they played Canada for the gold medal. Unfortunately, Sweden lost 3-1 and were stuck with the silver medal.
Giving Lias Andersson the chance to develop in Sweden for another year has clearly been the right decision even though the team needs a center right now. Next year, however, he should be expected to make the NHL team out of training camp. The Rangers desperately need center help and players with good character like Andersson.