Rangers best bet to trade Andersson is in a package deal
Lias Andersson is still an asset for GM Jeff Gorton. Unfortunately his value is at an all time low and no one around the NHL is willing to give up much for him. Gorton simply can’t give up the Rangers 2017 1st rounder, 7th overall for peanuts, so he needs to be patient.
The issue that’s exacerbating the problem is Andersson left the team after demanding a trade and forced the Rangers to suspend him. If both sides could work out an agreement for Andersson to either come back or go play elsewhere, it could help build his value, but don’t hold your breath for that to happen.
Gorton’s Best Bet
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 or Ryan Strome.
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 will be adding him as a sweetener when moving his valuable assets at the deadline.
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