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Former top-10 pick Lias Andersson decides to leave North America
Lias Andersson's difficult journey through North America appears to have ended, at least for the upcoming two seasons.
It was revealed on Wednesday that Andersson had reached an agreement to sign a two-year contract with EHC Biel-Bienne, a National League team in Switzerland. Biel-Bienne General Manager Martin Steinegger expressed the team's excitement about having Andersson join them for the 2024–25 and 2025–26 seasons, as well as their belief that he will be able to contribute to their offense moving forward.
Note: the following is translated from French.
"Lias Andersson is a versatile attacker, who with his qualities and versatility will be able to enrich our offensive game. He is capable of making a difference from several different positions in attack, but he also knows how to deliver the goods defensively. Lias is ready for his next sporting experience in our country and he will prepare himself perfectly in order to be decisive in our future successes." Martin Steinegger said.
"Lias Andersson is a versatile attacker, who with his qualities and versatility will be able to enrich our offensive game. He is capable of making a difference from several different positions in attack, but he also knows how to deliver the goods defensively. Lias is ready for his next sporting experience in our country and he will prepare himself perfectly in order to be decisive in our future successes." Martin Steinegger said.
As previously indicated, Andersson, 25, has not had an easy time in North America. After being selected by the New York Rangers with the seventh overall pick in the 2017 NHL Draft, he asked to be traded, refused to be sent to the AHL, was loaned to the Swedish Hockey League, and finally joined the Los Angeles Kings.
He played for the Los Angeles Kings organization for portions of three seasons until signing a one-year contract with the Montreal Canadiens for 2023–24 last summer after not receiving a qualifying offer. Andersson spent the whole season in the AHL with Laval and had a respectable season, with 45 points (21 goals, 24 assists) in 53 games, while never playing a minute for the Canadiens.
It will be interesting to see if Lias Andersson receives a qualifying offer from Montreal Canadiens general manager Kent Hughes to keep his rights, but I personally wouldn't hold my breath and there's a good chance he won't be qualified, becoming an unrestricted free agent on Canada Day.
Source: Blade of Steel
Former top-10 pick Lias Andersson decides to leave North America
Former top-10 pick Lias Andersson decides to leave North America
| POLL | ||
JUIN 20 | 44 ANSWERS Former top-10 pick Lias Andersson decides to leave North America Will Lias Andersson return to North America in 2026? | ||
| Yes | 12 | 27.3 % |
| No | 32 | 72.7 % |
| List of polls | ||