To recap, Lias Andersson was the seventh overall pick in the 2017 NHL Entry Draft. He was selected because the New York Rangers were enamored of his potential to be a team leader. Here’s how he was described at the time by Gordie Clark, Director of Player Personnel:
“He’s a helluva player. We’ve really needed a certain kind of player to add into our organization. This guy, his work ethic and his ability, you’re gonna love him, the fans will love him. He’s got the combination of the grit and ability we’ve been looking for. He’s not a dynamic scorer, he’s a dynamic player in the way that he plays, he is just so driven, driving the net, forechecking.