Five years ago, the New York Rangers drafted Alexis Lafreniere with the first overall pick. Since then, the forward hasn’t quite lived up to the hype. With just 193 points in 380 games, he sits fourth in scoring among his fellow draft mates. Members of his draft class like Lucas Raymond and Tim Stutzle have carved out significant roles among their teams.
Lafreniere, on the other hand, keeps popping up in trade talks.
He’s been the subject of multiple trade proposals and bounce-back candidates. Should the Rangers struggle early in the season, Lafreniere might be one of the first names considered for trades.
Lafreniere, 23, has seven years left on his contract making $7.45M per season.
Insiders Remark on Potential Lafreniere Trade
David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period recently appeared on TSN Radio and noted that “almost everything would be under consideration” if the Rangers don’t get off to a hot start. One name in particular he mentioned a few times is Alexs Lafreniere.
Should the Rangers look at that?” Pagnotta said. “To try to make a big bold hockey type move?; I think almost everything would be under consideration if this team gets off to a poor start.”
Pagnotta isn’t the only insider to mention Lafreniere. Michael Augello of The Hockey News linked the former first overall pick to a defenseman from the Buffalo Sabres.
“Lafreniere has a number of traits that the Sabres undoubtedly are looking for,” Augello said. “His contract does not have any no-trade protection for the next two seasons, which has been a roadblock for Adams in the past in trades. And he is signed for the next seven seasons at a $7.45 million AAV. Which, with the increasing cap, is not a crippling number.
“It is likely that the Rangers are looking for help on the blueline, with the recent departures of Trouba, Lindgren, and Miller. Even though they brought in former Sabre Will Borgen and signed veteran Vladislav Gavrikov,” Augello added. “Owen Power’s name might be floated. But it is hard to imagine that the Sabres would make that swap one-for-one. And, perhaps would try to steer the Rangers towards a deal involving Bowen Byram instead.”
Rangers Ready to Move Forward
To say things didn’t go as planned for the Rangers last season is an understatement. Between Mika Zibanejad’s underwhelming season and the departure of long-time captain Jacob Trouba, change is in the air for the Rangers. New head coach Mike Sullivan believes this to be a significant turning point for the club.
“As we all know, talent alone doesn’t win championships. Teams win championships,” he stated during his introductory press conference. “I think that’s going to be our challenge from day one, is to become a team in the true sense of the word. I can’t really comment on what’s evolved here in the past. All I can speak to is what we can potentially build here moving forward.”
If – or when – Lafreniere is traded, it will ultimately depend on how the Rangers perform early on. Daily Faceoff has Lafreniere on the top line alongside Vincent Trocheck and Artemi Panarin. Opportunity is in his hands, should he seek it out.
Rangers Could Make Big Move with Former 1st Overall Pick