A new development in the Lias Andersson-New York Rangers situation as the team has suspended him for walking away from the Hartford Wolf Pack. As we reported here, Andersson has requested a trade after playing 17 games with the Rangers this season and managing under 10 minutes of ice-time per contest. Now comes word from Larry Brooks of the New York Post that the Rangers have officially suspended him for leaving their AHL affiliate.
A seventh overall pick in 2017, Andersson has failed to make a mark in the NHL yet, getting just one assist in 17 games this season. Despite the trade request, the Holiday Roster Freeze is now in effect, meaning the 21-year-old isn't going anywhere until December 27th at least. You also have to wonder if walking away from his team is the right move as it likely lowers his trade value in the eyes of other GMs.
Not only has Andersson failed to have any major impact in the NHL, he's not exactly lighting it up at the AHL level either. In 74 career games, he has 15 goals and 39 points. Not horrible, but certainly nothing overly impressive. It will be interesting to see if any GM is willing to take a chance on him and what they might be willing to give up in return.
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