Rangers and Flames talked Lias Andersson trade

Updated:

Lias Andersson is in Sweden wondering where his hockey future lies. Since the moment they sent Lias Andersson down earlier this season, the path forward for the young center didn’t seem like it would be on Broadway. It wasn’t long after that demotion that I heard the Rangers and Oilers were discussing a trade involving their own disgruntled first rounder Jesse Puljujarvi.

Note: Article was originally posted yesterday.

Rangers believe Andersson has high value

After a few weeks my report was confirmed, but Oilers GM, Ken Holland didn’t feel Andersson was worth the one for one swap. Today, I have learned through a trusted source that Edmonton wasn’t the only Alberta team talking trade with the Rangers.

The Calgary Flames and New York Rangers were discussing a deal last month but according to the source, Jeff Gorton was asking for too much. What is unknown was what the Blueshirts wanted? If we are using Puljujarvi as a barometer, it could’ve been a Flames top prospect or their upcoming #1 pick in 2020.

Andersson (Jim McIsaac/Newsday)

Andersson as part of a package

Right now Gorton really only has one option in getting any real value for Andersson and that is trading him in a package deal. There are several players the Rangers are likely to move by the trade deadline in February. Alexander Georgiev and Chris Kreider top that list along with Brendan Smith. Of course there are some other names that could find themselves on the block if the right deal comes Jeff Gorton’s way like Brady Skjei.

Packaging Andersson with any other player outside of Brendan Smith is going to increase the return. Whether that be in getting extra picks, or turning a 3rd rounder into a 2nd, anything is better than what they could get for Andersson on his own. So when the time comes and it will, to trade him, you can expect Gorton could be adding him as a sweetener when moving his valuable assets at the deadline.

Is that package deal to Toronto along with Alexander Georgiev for Kasperi Kapanen, Jeremy Bracco and a pick? We may find out soon enough.

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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