Rangers draft Lias Andersson 7th after acquiring pick from Coyotes

The New York Rangers selected forward Lias Andersson with the seventh overall pick in the 2017 NHL Entry Draft on Friday.

Position: Center
Height: 5-foot-11
Weight: 198 lbs
Age: 18
Club: HV 71 (SHL)
Nationality: Swedish

Andersson entered the draft as the third-ranked European prospect, according to NHL Central Scouting, having remained steady in the same position after the midterm rankings.

"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, has smooth hands, and is very effective in the offensive zone as he can both shoot and create scoring chances for his linemates."

The 18-year-old represented Sweden at the World Junior Hockey Championship this year where he posted three goals in seven games.

Andersson has all the tools to be an effective offensive player. He possesses vision, speed, and a great release, and isn't afraid to go to the net to score a dirty goal.

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