Prospect of Interest: The 411 on Lias Andersson

Lias Andersson. (Photo courtesy HV71)

Lias Andersson is a high-end, 200-foot centre admired for his strong defensive play. Andersson scored three goals in seven games with Sweden at the 2017 world juniors and had 19 points in 42 games as an 18-year-old rookie in the Swedish Hockey League this past season.

“He is a really skilled two-way forward with great moves with the puck,” NHL director of European scouting Goran Stubb said. “He shows very good attitude, works hard both ways, smooth hands, very effective in the offensive zone as he can both shoot and create scoring chances for linemates.”

Here is some more on Andersson.

Age on June 23: 18
Current Team: HV71, SHL
Position: Centre
Shoots: Left
Height: 5-foot-11
Weight: 198 pounds
From: Smogen, Sweden
NHL Central Scouting Rank (Europe): 3

Jeff Marek’s Take: “He’s a creative centreman who can both distribute and finish. Plenty of leadership qualities in this player.”

He idolizes a Swedish legend

One of Andersson’s all-time favourite players is Peter Forsberg and just like his childhood idol the centre is strong on the puck.

“I try to work on my footwork and my speed and my conditioning,” he told NHL.com. “I’ve been working so much on my legs and core training so I can protect the puck well so they don’t just take me down.”

Hockey runs through his DNA

His father, Niklas Andersson, came up through Sweden’s Frölunda organization and was drafted by the Quebec Nordiques in 1989. Niklas had 206 points in 212 career AHL games and eventually made it to the NHL, playing 165 career games split between the Nordiques, Islanders, Sharks, Predators, Flames and these days he works as a scout with the Kings.

Mikael Andersson, Lias’ uncle, was selected 18th overall by the Sabres in 1984 and spent a total of 761 games in the NHL. Mikael currently works as a European scout for the Lightning. Also, Lias’s grandfather Ronny Andersson was a goalie for Malmö and Västra Frölunda from the mid-1960s to early-1970s.

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