Putting Lias Andersson’s Demotion in Perspective

The Rangers made the stunning move to demote Lias Andersson to the Hartford Wolf Pack, giving an NHL spot to, among others, Brett Howden.

The discourse surrounding Andersson had already been noxious, and this decision by the Rangers is tinder added to an already lively fire. People who were already convinced, despite all evidence to the contrary, that Andersson is the next Great Ranger Bust have their opinions temporarily validated. Those who decided that any Andersson criticism was negativity for the sake of negativity are now enduring a cognitive dissonance of sorts, with the fallout to be determined.

Of course, the decision by the Rangers comes with a heavy dose of necessary context. As…