The case for Lias Andersson as the New York Rangers’ second line center

New York Rangers’ prospect Lias Andersson may be entering his first full season in the NHL. What should his role be?

Lias Andersson was a safe pick for the New York Rangers at 7th overall in the 2017 entry draft. Andersson isn’t a flashy player – he’s not going to dazzle fans with his hands, or even blow anyone away with his speed. For these reasons, Andersson has received the short end of the stick in terms of his projections in the NHL.

Take Andersson’s first-round counterpart, Filip Chytil, for example.

Chytil undoubtedly has more offensive upside than Andersson, and as a result, he has received peggings as the Rangers’ upcoming second-line-center below Mika Zibanejad or Kevin Hayes (pending a possible trade).

Despite neither having much NHL experience, Andersson’s style of play has turned away some who believe he simply will never be better than a third-line-center.

Andersson, however, is by far a more well-rounded option than Chytil. His skillset is perfect for an NHL where size, skill and defensive awareness are necessary for long-term NHL success.

Given the Rangers’ current logjam at center, Andersson may have his work cut out for him in terms of cracking the top-six. However, with the possibility of trades, and a prevalent rebuilding mindset of the team’s coaching staff, Andersson could very well find himself on the second-line on the depth chart.

Center could be a profoundly glamorous position in the NHL. Some of the best players in the league are centers – Crosby, Matthews, McDavid, to name a few.

Center is also a position with an immense amount of responsibility. Centermen are tasked with the most difficult defensive-zone assignments while being looked towards to win faceoffs and facilitate scoring in the offensive zone. The position is a daunting task, to say the least.

This is why Andersson is most equipped to man center ice for the Rangers come October.

Andersson’s World Junior highlights are a perfect example of the player he could be in the NHL. Andersson is already filled into his 6-foot frame at over 200 pounds and understands how to use his size to his advantage.

Specifically, Andersson is extremely noticeable in front of the net, deflecting pucks and finishing in an area that is essential for NHL players to understand how to exploit.

Here’s what Future Considerations had to say about Andersson in November of 2017

"A smart, mature, two-way center…good decision-making, leadership qualities and advanced understanding of the game…a true three-zone player…defensively responsible…will drop to block shots or get his body in passing lanes…dangerous forechecker who reads the defense and uses an active stick to disrupt…covers up the ice for his teammates on the backcheck and always gives an honest effort…doesn’t commit a lot of mistakes and plays a very calm game while in puck possession…has solid offensive instincts…protects the puck very well and uses all of his frame to hold opponents off the puck…possesses a nice, quick shot release…not a flashy puckhandler, but can carry it up ice and distributes it well…goes to the net and plays in traffic…has solid vision and the ability to set up his linemates…has good balance and generates healthy amounts of speed…a potential two-way guy in the Zetterberg mold. (November 2017)"

Most notable in this report is Andersson’s defensive responsibility. A defensively responsible center is necessary for team’s top lines, as they’re often going against other team’s best players.

Andersson, as advertised, understands that attention in all three zones is essential for a successful career. Andersson’s approach to the game, and his ability to recognize that the little plays throughout a game can turn into real results, will allow him prolonged success in the NHL.

The Little Things

Hockey is a game where small moments can have massive repercussions. Lias Andersson is well-acquainted with that fact.

Take his game in the 2018 IIHF World Championship against Austria for example. Now, I know Austria isn’t a hockey hotbed; however, Andersson shows a glimpse of what he can do to create offense in the NHL.

At 1:44 in the video, Mika Zibanejad scores an absolutely gorgeous goal. To most, he’s where the credit for this play should go. However, look again.

At 1:38 in the video, Andersson makes a vital play. Andersson first cuts off a passing lane, placing his stick against the boards, causing the Austrian player to hesitate.

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Andersson never loses his momentum – he reaches out with his stick and separates player from puck. Then, in one motion, with only one hand on his stick, Andersson places himself between the Austrian player and the boards.

Andersson’s slick move to both push off the pressuring player and position himself to move the puck to his teammate is integral in the next few seconds of the play.

Andersson’s strength and offensive awareness were put on display before the Zibanejad goal. It’s plays like this – not fancy goals or shootout dekes that ultimately make a player great.

A Season of Growth

The New York Rangers are entrenched in the rebuild. However, with a multitude of solid young talent, along with some established veterans, Andersson is primed to develop.

Head Coach David Quinn would be sharp-witted to slide Andersson into a top-six role and potentially move Filip Chytil to wing.

Given Andersson’s body of work and skillset, it would be the most responsible move for the team while giving Andersson the opportunity to prove himself as a true center in the NHL.

At only 19 years old, Andersson’s career is loaded with potential. If, however, Andersson continues to shine, the Rangers’ safe pick at 7th overall could become a steal.