Flames came after Lias Andersson hard this past season, may do so again
When it comes to Lias Andersson, the top stories were about him asking to be traded, leaving the team, and subsequent loan to HV71 in the SHL. When it comes to the trade front, we reported the Rangers and Oilers were working on a deal involving Andersson and Edmonton’s disgruntled Jesse Puljujarvi.
Flames Hot For Andersson
Back on January 19th, I learned through a trusted source that Edmonton wasn’t the only Alberta team talking trade with the Rangers. That indeed the Calgary Flames wanted to to add Lias Andersson to their lineup. During the 2016 draft, Calgary was expecting Lias Andersson to fall to them at 16 before the Rangers surprised the entire hockey world with his selection at 7.
The Calgary Flames and New York Rangers were discussing a deal this season but according to the source, Jeff Gorton was asking for way too much. From what I could gather, the deal went south when the Blueshirts demanded the Flames first round pick in the 2020 draft. This was confirmed by someone with strong ties to the Flames organization.
This draft may be the opportune time for Calgary to make a move for him. Especially if Edmonton doesn’t back off their demand for a 1st round pick in any Puljujarvi deal. New York may indeed invite Andersson back to camp when Phase 3 starts and could add him to the expanded playoff roster. It certainly will boost his value, especially if he sees some playoff action at some point.
Author’s Note: Soon after I published this article, I received contrary info that the two sides were never close to a deal. This of course is contrary to what I learned back in January, but I present it here to give you all I know.
Andersson as part of a package deal?
If Jeff Gorton struggles to move Andersson this offseason in a one for one deal, he may have to trade him as part of a package. There are several players the Rangers are likely to move after the Stanley Cup is awarded and names like Alexandar Georgiev, and Brendan Smith stand out. Packaging Andersson with another player is going to increase the return. Whether that be in getting extra picks, or turning a 3rd rounder into a 2nd, that might be better than what they could get for Andersson on his own.
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