CHICAGO — This wasn’t just about sheer talent. Instead, the Rangers obtained a high pick in the first round of the NHL draft and got themselves a player who is as much about attitude as ability.
With the No. 7-overall pick in the draft, obtained in a blockbuster trade with the Coyotes earlier in the day, the Rangers selected 18-year-old Swedish center Lias Andersson. His father and uncle both played in the NHL — and his father also played alongside goalie Henrik Lundqvist for Frolunda — so the competitive spirit runs deep in Andersson.
And with the first of two picks in the first round, that is exactly what the Rangers were looking for.
“He’s a hell of a player,” Rangers director of player personnel Gordie Clark said. “We’ve really needed a certain kind of player to add into our organization. This guy — his work ethic, his ability — you’re going to love him. The fans will love him. He’s got the combination of the grit and ability we’ve been looking for.”
At 6-foot, 200 pounds, Andersson is known as a solid two-way player, putting up nine goals and 10 points, along with a plus-21 rating, in 42 games last season with HV71 of the Swedish Hockey League. When Clark was asked about Andersson’s confidence level, he almost scoffed.
“Oh, he does not lack confidence,” Clark said. “He’s quite an athlete. At the combine, he was one of the top kids. So he does not lack confidence. He’s going to be full of it.”
That was immediately clear when Andersson said he wanted to be the “full package” and a “game changer,” saying he wants to emulate the Blackhawks’ Jonathan Toews.
“Toews is a big winner,” he said. “He’s won everything, and I want to win everything, too.”
This was the first time the Rangers have had a first-round pick since they took defenseman Brady Skjei at No. 28 in 2012. It was the highest pick the organization has had since 2004, when they took goalie Al Montoya with the fourth pick, and only the fourth time since 1985 they have had a pick in the top seven.
Coach Alain Vigneault joked this was the first time in five years with the Rangers he has been on the stage at the draft, and general manager Jeff Gorton said Friday afternoon the club was “excited for the opportunity. It’s been a long time since we’re even on this stage.”
The Rangers used their second first-round pick, No. 21 overall, on Czech center Filip Chytil. He played in the men’s Czech league as a 17-year-old this season and will turn 18 on Sept. 5. Clark said he was projected to be that team’s second-line center for this coming season, and the 6-foot-2, 179-pounder still is growing into his body and his game.
“It was a big surprise for me, and one of the best feelings in my life,” Chytil said. “It’s great to be part of the New York Rangers. I’m enjoying every moment.”