LAVAL | When the Montreal Canadiens showed interest in him when the free agent market opened, Lias Andersson didn’t even think about Jeff Gorton, the man who drafted him seventh overall with the Rangers from New York in 2017. However, the reflex would have been natural, as the relationship between the two men is – or rather was – complicated.
“When I knew that Montreal was interested, everything happened so quickly and I didn’t think for a second about ‘Gorts’, who was now working in Montreal,” said the Swedish striker at the end of Rocket training in Laval on Tuesday morning at Place Bell. Then my agent said to me, “It looks like Gorts still likes you.” I was surprised!”
We understand this surprise very well when we learn about the stormy saga that led to Andersson’s move to the Los Angeles Kings. During the 2019-2020 season, this promising prospect was suspended without pay by the Rangers after leaving American League (AHL) farm club Hartford to return to Sweden.
In particular, during this conflict, Andersson explained to European media that “several incidents worried him” to justify his decision to return to his country and request a transaction from Rangers.
So yes, obviously Andersson must have been surprised to learn that Gorton had thrown in the towel on everything that was happening and being said.
“Jeff is a good guy. “Our relationship wasn’t the best,” he openly admitted. That is a long story. Nothing special, it just didn’t work out the way both parties wanted. I learned from this experience. I’m an adult now.”
Andersson clearly had a lot of time to think about everything that had happened. Did he act in his best interests?
“There are things I know now that I wish I had known back then,” Andersson admitted. You have to learn to get over this episode. I’m happy to be in Montreal today.”
“I made the decision to return to Sweden because of my ice hockey career. Looking back, I don’t know if it was the best decision for my health and myself.”
During an interview with Guillaume Lefrançois over the summer, Andersson said he had no contact with Gorton after his employment with the Habs.
This reunion finally happened, the 25-year-old striker told us.
“I spoke to ‘Gorts’ during camp. I think I had a good camp. The Canadians also liked what they saw. We chatted a little [moi et Jeff]. It was nice to see him again.”
MARIO BEAUREGARD/AGENCE QMI
A candidate not to be overlooked
Andersson will likely never fulfill the promises associated with his draft rank. However, when it comes to a career in the NHL, the game is far from over at 25.
The Swede was ruled out of the Rocket’s opening game last Friday, but opened the game the next day with a brace.
“I felt more comfortable,” Andersson said. I managed to attack the net. I can definitely build on that. I can be much better. I feel like I gained ground in my second game.”
“I like his speed and I think he understands the game well,” noted head coach Jean-François Houle. It will be important for him to be consistent if he wants to be recalled. He also has to put in more physical strain along the ramps. During Canadiens camp and even our camp, I thought it was fine. I really liked him in the last game. I’ve noticed he’s starting to feel more comfortable.”
Since it’s a question, yes, Andersson needs to be considered as a candidate for a recall by the Canadiens if the injuries pile up.
Andersson still boasts having played 110 games in the NHL, and he exploded in the AHL last year with 59 points, including 31 goals, in 67 games for the Ontario Reign, a Kings school club.
“I firmly believe that I am an attacker who can score points,” said Andersson. It was nice to find myself in the first two trios with The Reign. In the NHL I was constantly used on the fourth unit. So that was a change.”