Prospect Info: Lias Andersson - Part IV

[Amazing Kreiderman]

I'm curious about the "reverse switch" you mention. In North America, from junior hockey on up to the NHL, teams all have some level of a support program for young, foreign players coming over for the first time. It's obviously an important thing to have, as NA is the eventual goal for many/most of the top young players in the world.

Do teams in Europe and Russia have similar programs in place for players coming from North America? It's certainly not as common for young guys to go from NA to the other side of the pond, so I would imagine whatever programs are in place are maybe not as fleshed out as what you'd find here. What's more, most of the guys who do go from NA to Europe are a decent bit older when they make the jump than the other way around.

This is just my guess, though. Do you think this is correct, or am I off base?

I enquired about this a few years ago when talking to guys like Andrew Yogan (Austria) and Shane McColgan (Netherlands). They told me that they were assigned a councelor to assist them in their relocation, finding an apartment, and just for any questions they may have. Some teams even hire relocation firms who are specialized in this. They offer language courses, a tour of the neighborhood after moving over, they help you register with the local municipality, enroll kids into schools, sometimes international schools.

I don't really know to what extent this happens in the US so I can't really compare, but one thing that certainly helps for North Americans, is that the local population in general speaks their native language. And as comfortable as you can be in English as a Swede, Czech, Russian, Finn etc, it's just a lot more comfortable when you can approach someone in your own language with a question

What is interesting is how Oliver Wahlstrom and Jack Drury are experiencing their stints in Europe this season. I would love to interview them on this in depth just to get a good vibe on what it was like for them, as teenagers moving to Sweden. I know Wahlstrom has Swedish roots, but I am unsure how much that impacts his temporary adjustment.

 

[OrlandK]

This may help explain the Howden vs. Lias comparison. Per Pronman's organizational rankings released today (Rangers are #1 in the league!):

5. Brett Howden, C, New York Rangers-NHL
March 29, 1998 | 6-foot-2 | 194 pounds
Tier: Very good NHL player
Skating: 50
Puck Skills: 55
Physical Game: 60
Hockey Sense: 60
Howden’s second NHL season went fine, with some ups and downs and a mild decrease in production and ice time from his rookie campaign. Even with the mild decreases I still see some things to like a lot about his game and projection. His hockey sense is great, showing great vision with the puck and ability to set up chances at an NHL level. He’s a smart defensive player too, and overall a player a coach can trust because of his IQ and great compete level. Howden plays hard, getting to the net, killing penalties and winning a lot of battles. His game lacks flash. He’s not that quick or that skilled a puckhandler, so I could see him just be a third-line center, but I see enough playmaking in his game to think he may have another level even if he may be a boring player when he reaches that level.

Grouped with “NHL potential” others who didn’t make top 12:
Lias Andersson, C, HV71-SHL: Andersson is a highly-intelligent and competitive player who can play in the hard areas and create offense in those hard areas. He’s not that big though and lacks clear NHL quality speed and skill

 

[Leetch3]

This may help explain the Howden vs. Lias comparison. Per Pronman's organizational rankings released today (Rangers are #1 in the league!):

5. Brett Howden, C, New York Rangers-NHL
March 29, 1998 | 6-foot-2 | 194 pounds
Tier: Very good NHL player
Skating: 50
Puck Skills: 55
Physical Game: 60
Hockey Sense: 60
Howden’s second NHL season went fine, with some ups and downs and a mild decrease in production and ice time from his rookie campaign. Even with the mild decreases I still see some things to like a lot about his game and projection. His hockey sense is great, showing great vision with the puck and ability to set up chances at an NHL level. He’s a smart defensive player too, and overall a player a coach can trust because of his IQ and great compete level. Howden plays hard, getting to the net, killing penalties and winning a lot of battles. His game lacks flash. He’s not that quick or that skilled a puckhandler, so I could see him just be a third-line center, but I see enough playmaking in his game to think he may have another level even if he may be a boring player when he reaches that level.

Grouped with “NHL potential” others who didn’t make top 12:
Lias Andersson, C, HV71-SHL: Andersson is a highly-intelligent and competitive player who can play in the hard areas and create offense in those hard areas. He’s not that big though and lacks clear NHL quality speed and skill

what are the max points for those ratings? skating is 50 out of ?

 

[UnSandvich]

This may help explain the Howden vs. Lias comparison. Per Pronman's organizational rankings released today (Rangers are #1 in the league!):

5. Brett Howden, C, New York Rangers-NHL
March 29, 1998 | 6-foot-2 | 194 pounds
Tier: Very good NHL player
Skating: 50
Puck Skills: 55
Physical Game: 60
Hockey Sense: 60
Howden’s second NHL season went fine, with some ups and downs and a mild decrease in production and ice time from his rookie campaign. Even with the mild decreases I still see some things to like a lot about his game and projection. His hockey sense is great, showing great vision with the puck and ability to set up chances at an NHL level. He’s a smart defensive player too, and overall a player a coach can trust because of his IQ and great compete level. Howden plays hard, getting to the net, killing penalties and winning a lot of battles. His game lacks flash. He’s not that quick or that skilled a puckhandler, so I could see him just be a third-line center, but I see enough playmaking in his game to think he may have another level even if he may be a boring player when he reaches that level.

Grouped with “NHL potential” others who didn’t make top 12:
Lias Andersson, C, HV71-SHL: Andersson is a highly-intelligent and competitive player who can play in the hard areas and create offense in those hard areas. He’s not that big though and lacks clear NHL quality speed and skill

Pronman also has Howden above guys like Lindgren, Kravtsov and Miller, which is pretty absurd. Citing this as explaining the comparison really doesn't do much for me.

 

[NYSPORTS]

Pronman also has Howden above guys like Lindgren, Kravtsov and Miller, which is pretty absurd. Citing this as explaining the comparison really doesn't do much for me.

He must be drinking!!!!

unless Howden becomes something nobody else sees.

 

[Mac n Gs]

what are the max points for those ratings? skating is 50 out of ?

From his ratings and tiers scales:

Tool grades:
Tool grades are based on the 20-80 scale. In this scale, 50 projects as pro average, 55 as above-average, 60 top third, 70 as elite and 80 as among the very best; 45 is below-average and 40 is fringe pro quality. The shot is only graded if it is notably good.
Tier Definitions:

• Special NHL prospect: Projects as a true NHL star, someone who is among the best players in the league.
• Elite NHL prospect: Projects as an impact player, someone who is top 10-15 percent in the NHL at his position.
• High-end NHL prospect: Projects as a first-line forward or a top-pair defenseman.
• Very good NHL prospect: Projects as a top-six forward, top-four defenseman or starting goaltender in the NHL.
• Legit NHL prospect: Projects to be a full-time NHL player in the bottom half of a roster.
• NHL potential: The prospect has a chance to make it as a full-time player if some improvements are made.

 

[Levitate]

He must be drinking!!!!

unless Howden becomes something nobody else sees.

I think that people closer to the old school kind of NHL evaluation see a lot of things to like in Howden's game in that he has good size, speed, skating, really overall good tools and is coachable, works hard, and flashes some signs of on ice awareness etc that make you think if he puts it together he could be a real solid player. I mean, I'm a big Howden critic at this point but I do like the potential tools he has. My biggest issue is that I feel like he really could have used some AHL time that the team decided not to give him for whatever reason and he has struggled to grow those tools and that potential into on ice results. So, maybe you stick with him and hope that he continues to grow into that utility player all around valuable player.

 

[NYR Viper]

I think that people closer to the old school kind of NHL evaluation see a lot of things to like in Howden's game in that he has good size, speed, skating, really overall good tools and is coachable, works hard, and flashes some signs of on ice awareness etc that make you think if he puts it together he could be a real solid player. I mean, I'm a big Howden critic at this point but I do like the potential tools he has. My biggest issue is that I feel like he really could have used some AHL time that the team decided not to give him for whatever reason and he has struggled to grow those tools and that potential into on ice results. So, maybe you stick with him and hope that he continues to grow into that utility player all around valuable player.

So many players over the years have really struggled in their sophomore seasons in the NHL. Howden pretty much replicated his freshman season. I'll say that I like his tools and think he can still become a good 2-way 3C. In saying that, this upcoming season will be big for him as a player.

 

[haohmaru]

Howden is very young and still a a developing player, I don't get why so many people are so down on the guy. I think, as NYR Viper above, that he's got a shot at being a serviceable 3C in the future. We need to be more patient and let some of these young players grow and develop. I'm certain he'll be an NHL'er somewhere for years.

 

[Vitto79]

Howden is very young and still a a developing player, I don't get why so many people are so down on the guy. I think, as NYR Viper above, that he's got a shot at being a serviceable 3C in the future. We need to be more patient and let some of these young players grow and develop. I'm certain he'll be an NHL'er somewhere for years.

I do agree the Howden , Lemieux, Gauthier , Hajek type players need another year before we make definite judgements

 

[kovazub94]

Howden is very young and still a a developing player, I don't get why so many people are so down on the guy. I think, as NYR Viper above, that he's got a shot at being a serviceable 3C in the future. We need to be more patient and let some of these young players grow and develop. I'm certain he'll be an NHL'er somewhere for years.

When you say “serviceable 3C” my mind immediately translates it into a “4C on a contender”, which then I agree with.

 

[Leetch3]

2 assists for lias

 

[mas0764]

I also remain unconvinced that this guy isn't in our plans.

 

[Harbour Dog]

I also remain unconvinced that this guy isn't in our plans.

I doubt that he wants to play for us anymore, either way.

With the points he is putting up though, maybe we will be able to get a 2nd rounder out of him yet.

 

[usekakkorightquinn]

I like Andersson if his head is right more than Howden. However, be careful writing guys like Howden off. We had a lot of 2 way guys like Howden in Dubinsky, Callahan, Anisimov, etc.... that played a lot in the AHL and really didn't push for a bigger role on the big squad until they were 23-24. Howden broke in very young. So, it's not crazy to think he will turn into a 15 PG 25 A role player type. Howden played 5 games in the AHL. Callahan and Dubinsky both played 71 AHL games. Anisimov played 154 AHL games.

 

[mas0764]

I doubt that he wants to play for us anymore, either way.

How do we know that though?

I have seen a couple times references to "he wouldn't take JD's calls," but I am not familiar with that storyline.

I thought he spoke to Davidson and there was a "thawing" of the relationship reported.

I know Brooks and others have reported that the team may seek to shop him but I'm not entirely convinced that Brooks has his pulse on what the team is actually doing anymore since Sather left.

Since Andersson bolted, all I know is that we apparently tried to reach out to him, had some degree of success with that, and that everyone agreed it was best for him to stay in Sweden for the time being (and that decision extended to this season as well with the virus situation this fall, but in some ways I am not sure how that is terribly different than Kravtsov being loaned to Traktor).

I may be missing key facts (in fact, I'd wager it's a near certainty that I am, along with literally everyone else who isn't a Rangers employee), but I fail to see the truly indisputable evidence that he's done here.

Presumably if the team is higher on Chytil and Howden than Andersson as prospects, and that very well may be the case, than certainly it may seem that they want to parlay him into something else (Chytil as 2C and Howden as 3C doesn't leave much room for Andersson unless at 4C). But that's a hockey decision and not one made based on the schism between team and player.

If he's unwilling to ever report back to Hartford that's one thing, but I haven't heard that either. It seems that he admitted he made some bad decisions, do we know that he hasn't realized he was also in the wrong?

He's 21 and doing very well in a strong league overseas. I also can't fathom how we have closed the book on whether his game can translate to the NHL or not. The more success he has the more it seems likely that he probably can be a third liner someday.

 

[Anzi]

I like Andersson if his head is right more than Howden. However, be careful writing guys like Howden off. We had a lot of 2 way guys like Howden in Dubinsky, Callahan, Anisimov, etc.... that played a lot in the AHL and really didn't push for a bigger role on the big squad until they were 23-24. Howden broke in very young. So, it's not crazy to think he will turn into a 15 PG 25 A role player type. Howden played 5 games in the AHL. Callahan and Dubinsky both played 71 AHL games. Anisimov played 154 AHL games.

Reminds me of this tweet I saw. I'd be careful to write off either Howden or Andersson. Their stock have definitely fallen but I still have some hope reserved that they can become something eventually.

 

[Levitate]

Edge has mentioned that his impression from people he talks to is that it's more likely Andersson gets traded than comes back

 

[cwede]

...I'd be careful to write off either Howden or Andersson. Their stock have definitely fallen, but I still have some hope reserved that they can become something eventually.

beware of the HFB echo chamber,
player "stock falling" is much greater among the impatient, cynical 'fans'
than among actual NHL decision makers.
Players who have delivered what these kids have, at this career stage, are still considered very strong prospects, except among amateur opinion-aters
Proven stars, like a few from their draft years have become, no, not yet.
But strong prospects still.

 

[Levitate]

beware of the HFB echo chamber,
player "stock falling" is much greater among the impatient, cynical 'fans'
than among actual NHL decision makers.
Players who have delivered what these kids have, at this career stage, are still considered very strong prospects, except among amateur opinion-aters
Proven stars, like a few from their draft years have become, no, not yet.
But strong prospects still.

I'm still frustrated that they never sent Howden to the AHL because I think he could have greatly benefited from that. I'm a pretty big Howden critic because I dont' think he's been very good at the NHL level, but I do see why the team likes him and thinks he can be a solid piece. But again...I'd rather see a guy as young as him developing in the AHL instead of struggling in the NHL

 

[cwede]

I'm still frustrated that they never sent Howden to the AHL because I think he could have greatly benefited from that. I'm a pretty big Howden critic because I dont' think he's been very good at the NHL level, but I do see why the team likes him and thinks he can be a solid piece. But again...I'd rather see a guy as young as him developing in the AHL instead of struggling in the NHL

I agree, i would have preferred he had spent some extended time as an all-situation, top-2 C in AHL

 

[OrlandK]

I agree, i would have preferred he had spent some extended time as an all-situation, top-2 C in AHL

In retrospect a longer stint in the AHL seems like it would have benefited every highly touted prospect we've had recently except Fox. Kakko and Chytil clearly would have been better off developing and adjusting to North American hockey @ Hartford than @ MSG. The same will almost certainly apply to Miller. The constant drumbeat to have the prospects play with the Rangers seems ill advised to me. And this is even without consideration to saving a salary control year, which is quite valuable as well.

 

[Kovalev27]

I have zero problem with Howden as 4C and fully expect him to develop into a good 3C

 

[Levitate]

In retrospect a longer stint in the AHL seems like it would have benefited every highly touted prospect we've had recently except Fox. Kakko and Chytil clearly would have been better off developing and adjusting to North American hockey @ Hartford than @ MSG. The same will almost certainly apply to Miller. The constant drumbeat to have the prospects play with the Rangers seems ill advised to me. And this is even without consideration to saving a salary control year, which is quite valuable as well.

I kinda don't mind giving guys a taste of the NHL if they earn it in camp and let them run with it...but also think it's OK to send them down to the AHL if they start to struggle. It was fine when they did it with Chytil, it was fine when they did it with Kreider and other past prospects. Why Howden was exempt from it I'll never know.

 

[Ola]

Not sure if Howden got the hockey sense to be a center in the NHL, I like his upside more as a LW. But his wheels and engine is definitely a good trait in a center.

Give him time, I think he still can improve a lot. However, I do think he must get more involved physically. He isn’t the type of player who can get by as a finesse guy.