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.
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.