He has traveled from the late summer weather with 31 degrees Celsius of New York to stormy fall weather with a sky that never seems to break up. From the dream of NHL to a year with Coach Roger Rönnberg in SHL.
"There are some contrasts," laughs Lias Andersson.
He has a Frölunda sweater again - and suddenly the 18-year-old talent can breathe out.
"I think somewhere that this is the best for me. I know Rangers trusts Frölunda a lot, so it feels very safe from both sides. For the first time, I can land this season", Lias says honestly.
Has it been tough, mentally?
"I've been a little in both worlds. Have a foot there, one foot here. Did not play match here, did not train there. Now, it feels like the first time I can land in a team - and it's terribly nice indeed. There has been a lot of thinking. There have been four to five US trips this summer, a freak schedule. I have not known whether it should be NHL, AHL or SHL. Flickering back and forth.
What did you eventually end up in SHL?
- It was the Rangers who wanted it. They think it's the best for me. Instead of being their thirteenth forward and getting up and down, playing on a line, playing AHL, going from coast to coast, I'm better off playing a lot at home and developing in a good environment.
When Andersson first came to the United States, he was thrown into a training tournament in Traverse City - neither Rangers nor Lias came up in standard.
- Immediately when I arrived, I had the trip in my legs. It was a joke. We were really bad. Neither me nor the team played well. Then we stepped up - and when I got to the camp with the big guys it went really well.
Were you far away - or is the feeling that you're ready for the NHL?
"Ah, I had a couple of good matches, where I scored a couple of points when I got to play. Then I had to play a little less and take a different role and then it became a different game. Exactly how close it was, I do not know, but I was in the final cut.
"Will be something extraordinary"
There is no doubt about the season's new goals.
- I'll try to be leading. Take a lot of ice age. Play many important matches. Probably the final game will be here at home and then I will play important matches.
Do you play against Gap in the Champions League, already?
- Yes, that's the plan! I have not practiced anything here, so I hope I get a good practice in my legs so I get into the stuff, "said Lias, before it's time to get into the gym.
He is also allowed to take part in the daddy's Niklas number retiring against Skellefteå on 21 October.
- Exactly! It will be cool. It will be something extraordinary. It's just to enjoy that night and make sure to win the hockey match too ...
And when number 24 is retired, Lias gets to think about her shirt.
"Maybe I'll take the 71. Honor him. He hangs in the roof of our hearts, says Lias of Dad's old radar partner Tomi Kallio.
Still, 71 nevertheless, it will not be possible.
- Well, I can not take a number from my old idols. I'll take my own number, "said Lias.