New York Rangers Select Forward Lias Andersson, 7th Pick in NHL Draft (Highlights)
For the first time since 2012, the Rangers have not only one, but two first round picks. With their first pick and the seventh overall, the New York Rangers select forward Lias Andersson from Sweden.
With the seventh pick in the 2017 NHL Entry Draft, the New York Rangers selected Lias Andersson out of the SHL on the same team Henrik Lundqvist played for in Sweden, Frolunda.
The Swede is dubbed a complete 200-foot player that will not dazzle anyone with 1-on-1 moves or decks, but is a gamer. He sits at 5-foot-11 and a sturdy 201 pounds. He is a strong skater, has a great shot, and has excelled in many international tournaments for Sweden.
[sc name=”Rangers Center” ]At this point, he projects to be a middle six player that can play any forward position. The kid also forechecks hard and adds a certain element to any team’s lineup. No, this certainly isn’t the sexiest pick that could’ve been made, however, this kid can play and could help alleviate the loss of another Swede, Oscar Lindberg.
He adds a speed element to the Rangers and could be on Broadway as soon as next season.
With the 7th pick in the #NHLDraft together we welcome Lias Andersson to #NYR! #NYRDraft pic.twitter.com/Ip4taZ6pLG
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) June 23, 2017
https://twitter.com/FriedgeHNIC/status/878401284893794308
Andersson scored nine goals and 10 assists for 19 points in 42 games with HV71 of the Swedish Hockey League this past season. #NYR
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) June 23, 2017
Rangers take Lias Andersson, a fast, competitive two-way center. I really like this pick; kid's a gamer.
— Ryan Kennedy (@THNRyanKennedy) June 23, 2017
Neal Purcell has a tremendous passion for New York Rangers hockey and the sport of hockey in general. A graduate of SUNY Cortland in Upstate NY, Purcell coaches both a high school hockey team and a travel team in the winter. Purcell is also a part of a small family business in the Central New York Region.
