Former top-10 pick Lias Andersson decides to leave North America

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Cooper Godin
June 20, 2024 (11:00)

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Lias Andersson's bumpy ride here in North America has come to a close, at least for the next couple of seasons.

The pending restricted free agent forward Lias Andersson will not be returning to the Montreal Canadiens organization next season as it's been announced that he's agreed to terms on a two-year contract with National League club, EHC Biel-Bienne in Switzerland.

EHC Biel-Bienne General Manager Martin Steinegger commented on the signing on Wednesday, saying the team is excited to have Lias Andersson aboard for the 2024-25 and 2025-26 seasons and believe he'll be able to help their offense going 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.

Andersson, 25, has had a bumpy ride here in North America, as mentioned. He was drafted seventh overall by the New York Rangers in 2017 and in the years that followed, requested a trade, didn't want to be assigned to the AHL, was loaned to the Swedish Hockey League and eventually moved to the Los Angeles Kings.

He spent parts of three seasons with the Los Angeles Kings organization and after not being issued a qualifying offer last summer, signed a one-year contract with the Montreal Canadiens for 2023-24. Andersson never appeared in a game for the Canadiens, spending the entire year in the AHL with Laval and had a pretty strong season, putting up 45 points (21 goals, 24 assists) in 53 games.

It'll be interesting to see if Montreal Canadiens General Manager Kent Hughes decides to issue Lias Andersson a qualifying offer to retain his rights, but personally, I wouldn't hold my breathe and there's a very good chance that he'll not be qualified, becoming an unrestricted free agent on Canada Day.

Source: EHC Biel-Bienne
HC BIEL HIRES LIAS ANDERSSON