Lias Andersson all smiles playing hockey again

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Lias Andersson will wear his familiar #23 with HV71 in the SHL. What can’t be denied is just how big his smile is being back on the ice and playing hockey. This is great news for both Lias and the Rangers as it can only build on Andersson’s trade value. For those of you that follow our reporting, we noted on January 7th that Andersson’s visit to Sweden was likely to be a long one. We even stated that it would likely come down to Frolunda or HV71.

Andersson’s Statement

“I am thankful that we were able to resolve this and look forward to wearing my HV jersey again. I have many good memories from my time in HV71 and will do everything I can to make the club successful.”

Lias Andersson on HV71 website

No Room on Frolunda

Andersson’s old SHL team Frolunda, which is run by former Ranger, Fredrik Sjöström, told Swedish reporter Johan Rylander, “We felt we had a good center side and could not meet the big role that Lias and Rangers are keen to have.” That tells me that as part of the agreement to loan Andersson, the team taking him on had to give him significant minutes.

Regardless, Rylander reports that the relationship between all parties is still in very good shape. “We like Lias and this period he has gone through has been tough,” Sjöström continued, ”and most important for him is to feel joy and get to play again.”

By Anthony Scultore

Anthony Scultore has been covering the New York Rangers and the NHL since 2014. His work also appears at... More about Anthony Scultore

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