The World Junior Summer Showcase wrapped up this weekend in Plymouth, Michigan. The Rangers had three players who drew some buzz but one who stood out. Sean Day and Tim Gettinger made Team USA's final roster but it was Lias Andersson who generated the most interest, clearly putting in site of a possible role of the team following training camp.
I admit there were others I wanted over Andersson in the draft. But, once wore started to filter out that Carolina at 11 and Los Angeles at 12 had Andersson high on their draft lists, New York taking him at seven didn't stick out as much as initially thought. So far, Andersson has pretty done all he can do to make New York more firm and resolute in their belief that he could be their third or fourth line center.
The question to ponder is if that's a good thing? Should the Rangers be signing one or two of the remaining unrestricted free agents to further lengthen the lineup? In addition, would they be better served exploring the trade market for a center or a winger - yes, I know the JvR rumors and yes, there is no way Nick Holden is getting him, just like Holden isn't landing Tyler Bozak - enabling J.T. Miller up shift to center? As much as Andersson has done to date, it's much different facing 18 and 19 year olds versus grizzled vets and that doesn't little to diminish the enthusiasm I have for what he has shown to date. Because it's a lot better to be arguing if he should break camp with the team rather than thinking he is a bust.
I think we all would love to see a true #1 or at minimum #2 center acquired allowing Mike Zibanejad, Kevin Hayes and David Desharnais to slide down a peg. If it was a #2, the Hayes and Desharnais could move into roles more befitting their skill set. But that looks unlikely to happen, despite the myriad of rumors we have read and wishful thinking from the fan base. It will be either be what we see is what we get, someone like Andersson steps up and earns a spot or Miller is shifted from wing to center. That's at least until the trade deadline, because if the $3 mil of cap room continues to accrue during the year, presuming no injuries requiring call ups or other deals, GM Jeff Gorton could make a splash at the deadline.
If Andersson excels in camp and plays well enough to stick around, that splash could come at wing rather than center. In addition, an existing player instead of a prospect could be dealt to upgrade a spot. But that is prospective thinking of the highest magnitude for five months down the road. Especially because Andersson still could go back to Frolunda of the Swedish League (unlikely), be assigned to Hartford to gain some experience and then get called up (possible, but it burns a year of the ELC regardless), start the year with the Rangers and then go to Sweden after nine games to avoid burning an ELC (somewhat more likely than playing in Frolunda initially) or he earns a spot with the team and sticks (most likely scenario as of now).
If that happens, we might be looking at:
Kreider-Zibanejad-Zuccarello
Nash-Hayes-Vesey
Miller-Andersson-Buchnevich
Grabner-Desharnais-Fast
NHL.com (https://www.nhl.com/news/top-players-at-world-juniors-showcase/c-290603284?tid=281266438) listed their top-10 players from the WJSS and Andersson was one of them. This is what Adam Kimelman wrote:
Andersson scored three goals in five games, including two in a loss to the U.S. on Wednesday. He played a role at the 2017 WJC but has the look of someone who wants to be a leader in 2018.
"Lias was here last year and he was good but he didn't make the same impression he does now," coach Tomas Monten said. "Lias is a player that leaves everything on the ice every time. That's a big key factor for your team. We need the leadership, that kind of work ethic on the ice."
Words such as leadership and consistent work ethic are repeatedly applied to Andersson. Those monikers are why the Rangers were so high on him. He appears to have a level-headedness to his game and won't be awed by the moment. Andersson likely won't ever be a star but he has a strong likelihood of being a consistent third line center with the upside of a second liner who can be trusted in all situations. He showed better hands than I thought and is a skilled two-way player. I still fear he is being rushed like Manny Malhotra but his play at the WJSS, taken with a grain of salt, makes me less concerned about that and more confident that maybe he is ready for Broadway despite his youth.
New York Rangers Blogger • 
Join the Discussion:
»