12/31 | Andersson has returned to Sweden according to Elliotte Friedman. (Sportsnet)
He writes that it isn’t known yet if the Rangers will loan Andersson to a Swedish team. (Sportsnet)
12/29 | Elliotte Friedman said on Hockey Night in Canada on Saturday that the Rangers intend to be patient with Lias Andersson after his trade request. (Sportsnet)
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He said “they feel that while it hasn’t worked out so far that this is still a talented player and they are not going to just move him for the sake of moving him.” (Sportsnet)
Larry Brooks wrote over the weekend that there has been “little interest” shown in Andersson so far but that the Rangers are not going to “bite” on the first offer. (NY Post)
Andersson is currently suspended by the Rangers.
Adam Rotter: To me, the big question with Andersson isn’t when he will be moved or for who, but what his next step is this season. There is still half a hockey season to play in North America, a little less in Europe, and it’s hard to think that Andersson will sit out the rest of the year. They welcomed Vitali Kravtsov back so I imagine the Rangers would welcome Andersson back if he were to report back to Hartford. Its in the best interest of everyone for Andersson to be playing and playing well so the Rangers may grant him a loan to play in Sweden but that doesn’t do much to show he can play and contribute in North America. I think there is a very good chance that Andersson remains with the Rangers through this season and up to the draft. Maybe at the draft they can exchange him for another prospect, a late first round pick, a couple of seconds or use him in a package to either move up or acquire a player.