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Six years later, the paths of Jeff Gorton and Lias Andersson have crossed again, albeit with different organizations.

Gorton was the New York Rangers’ general manager in 2017 when he selected Andersson in the first round (seventh overall). But those lofty expectations never materialized for the 6-foot, 185-pound Swedish forward, who was eventually traded to Los Angeles.

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Gorton, now the Canadiens’ executive vice-president of hockey operations, undoubtedly played a significant role this past summer, when Andersson signed a US$775,000 one-year, two-way contract with Montreal.

But on Oct. 1, the Canadiens placed Andersson on waivers for the purpose of assignment to Laval, their AHL affiliate. Now 25 years old and with his third organization, the forward is probably playing for his North American future, considering he’s eligible to become a restricted free agent next summer.

“I had high expectations for myself and believed I could have achieved those expectations,” Andersson said Tuesday after practice at Place Bell. “I took a decision to go back to Sweden for my hockey career. I don’t know if that was the best decision. But it was the best decision for me, as a person, and my health. I don’t regret anything.

“I’ve had a fantastic life and a decent career.”

Andersson served as Sweden’s captain at the 2018 world junior championship in Buffalo, only to sustain a shoulder injury during the competition. The Rangers wanted him to report to their facility to rehabilitate. Instead, Andersson felt more comfortable returning to Sweden, the ill feelings between the organization and the player possibly beginning to percolate.

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Nonetheless, Andersson eventually returned, making his Rangers debut March 26, 2018, against Washington. He scored his first career NHL goal, making him the youngest New York player to score in his debut.

“Our relationship wasn’t the best back then,” Andersson admitted, discussing Gorton. “It’s a long story and there were a lot of things. It just didn’t work out the way we both wanted. I’ve learned from it and I’m a grown man. I wish I knew things then that I know now. But I’ve moved past that and am happy to be (with) Montreal now.”

Dividing time between the Rangers and their AHL affiliate in Hartford, Andersson reportedly requested a trade in December 2019. A month later, he was loaned to HV71 of the Swedish Hockey League. The following October, Andersson was traded to Los Angeles, having played 66 games for New York.

Andersson played 44 games for the Kings over three seasons, but was limited to one NHL game in 2022-23. In 110 career games, he has seven goals and 17 assists. But he produced with Ontario, the Kings’ AHL affiliate, last season, scoring 31 goals and 59 points in 67 games.

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“Of course it was a good year,” he said. “I strongly believe I can be a productive player. It was fun to be on those top lines and produce. Whenever I’ve been in the NHL it always was on the fourth line. It was nice to get a chance to prove myself. To do that for a whole year was good.”

As one of the few Rocket veterans on a young team, Andersson figures to play a prominent role in Laval. Playing on a line with Jared Davidson and Philippe Maillet, Andersson scored two goals in last Saturday’s 4-3 loss to Abbotsford.

“He’s got experience and has scored some goals at this level,” head coach Jean-François Houle said of Andersson. “He’s going to be a key part of our team down the line and played really well last game.

“I like his speed and he thinks the game well. But consistency. It’s important for him to be consistent if he wants to get a call-up.”

Meanwhile, the Rocket announced on Wednesday, before entertaining Rochester, that captain Gabriel Bourque has a lower-body injury and will require further medical evaluation. According to 91.9 Fm radio broadcaster Anthony Marcotte, there are fears of a long-term injury that might require surgery. Bourque, 33, was selected by Nashville in the fifth round (132nd overall) in 2009 and has 413 NHL games to his credit with the Predators, Colorado and Winnipeg, scoring 40 goals and 103 points.

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