How the New York Rangers should internally replace Jesper Fast

The Rangers could turn Lias Andersson into the next Manny Malhotra.

Lias Andersson. Yes, Lias Andersson. As much a victim of Quinn’s irrational love affair with Brett Howden as he is his own sins, Andersson fell out of favor with the organization and fans throughout the season.

But, his game seems to have resurrected. In 15 games in the SHL, he’s scored seven goals and has 12 points. Plus, he’s always been considered a strong defensive center.

Why he should be considered is because of asset management. As of right now, the Rangers completely bungled the pick when they drafted Andersson at seventh overall, regardless of where the blame lies.

And let’s face it–they’re not trading Andersson for any asset of real value. (Remember the Dylan McIlrath trade? The Rangers trade a10th-overall pick for Steven Kampfer, a journeyman defenseman, and a conditional seventh-round pick.)

So, the best bet is to make use of the pick. If that means turning him into a career third- or fourth-liner a la Manny Malhotra, then so be it. (Let’s also put into perspective that almost 1,000 career NHL games is nothing to scoff at.)

The Rangers cannot have Andersson be a complete bust. Couple this with the slight concern over Kravtsov’s pedestrian year in Hartford, and you’d have to back-to-back years of top-10 draft picks that didn’t hit. That’s a fireable offense for a GM.

Ultimately, Jesper Fast’s tenure should end at the end of this season. It’s up to Gorton to make sure he’s replacing Fast in both his position in the lineup and his role on the team.