Rangers loan Lias Andersson to HV71 for 2020-21 season
Andersson will remain in Sweden
HV71 of the SHL announced Friday that New York Rangers prospect Lias Andersson will be playing with the team for the 2020-21 season. The 7th overall pick of the 2017 NHL Draft is being loaned by the Rangers to HV71, the team he joined late last season after choosing to leave the organization following an assignment to AHL Hartford. After much speculation regarding his future not only with the franchise, but also in the sport itself, Andersson scored seven goals and picked up five assists in 15 games with HV71.
Last month, we learned the Rangers had reached out to Andersson about rejoining the team for training camp with a chance to particpate in the postseason, but he had opted to stay in Sweden. Rangers President John Davidson has been working to mend the bridge between the youngster and the organization since Andersson requested a trade following his short stint with the Wolf Pack.
From HV71’s press release (translated through Google):
“I want to thank [the] Rangers for understanding my situation and my desire to play in HV71. I found my way back to the game I want to play at the end of last season and look forward to a sequel in HV71. During the years in HV71 and Jönköping, I have acquired many good memories and positive feelings that I will build on when we reunite at the end of July.”
HV71’s 2020-21 regular season is scheduled to begin Sept. 19 against Frölunda. Andersson hasn’t played a game with the Rangers since Nov. 16, 2019. He is still on his entry-level deal with the Rangers.
