The New York Rangers appear headed towards significant changes in the coming weeks. After struggling throughout the 2025-26 season, the team may soon become sellers in the trade market. New York currently sits seventh in the Metropolitan Division after the halfway point of the campaign.
Artemi Panarin and Vincent Trocheck have both been linked with potential moves away from the Big Apple. Panarin’s future with the club is precarious due to his expiring contract. Trocheck, on the other hand, may become available if the Rangers continue their downward spiral ahead of the trade deadline.
Another player who could hit the market is Alexis Lafreniere. The former first overall selection in the 2020 NHL Draft was previously seen as a can’t-miss prospect. Although he has shown glimpses of greatness, Lafreniere has struggled with consistency in recent years. These issues have now forced Rangers head coach Mike Sullivan to demote the forward to the team’s third line.
Sullivan addressed the situation following New York’s practice on January 12. The coach was specifically asked if the demotion was just about trying to find balance in the lineup. “Part of it is performance-based, too,” claimed Sullivan. “We need more from some guys. I think Laf is a guy that can bring more to the table for us.”
New York Rangers Coach Labels Alexis Lafreniere as “Good Player”
GettyAlexis Lafreniere has struggled so far this season despite increased minutes.
While Sullivan seemingly called out Lafreniere, he also praised the young star. “Part of my job, and Laf and I have had this conversation, is trying to find a pathway for players to thrive and succeed,” continued the coach. “And I think Laf is an extremely talented player; he’s a good player.”
“We think he’s capable of next-level play. We’re trying to find a way to get him there, and that’s part of this process that we’re going through… So we’re trying to tweak the lineup in ways that we think give us the best chance to win.”
Lafreniere previously signed a massive seven-year, $52.1 million ($7.4 million AAV) contract extension with the Rangers in October 2024. So far this season, the forward has typically been deployed on the second line alongside J.T. Miller and Trocheck. Nevertheless, the alteration comes after New York suffered an embarrassing 10-2 defeat to the Boston Bruins on January 10.
Lafreniere has just 24 total points in 46 games in 2025-26. His average of .52 points per game is currently the lowest tally since the 2022-23 campaign. The relatively low offensive output is even more interesting considering his average ice time of 17:20 per matchup. This is the highest figure of Lafreniere’s career, and sixth-most among all Rangers forwards this season.
Rangers Beat Writer Claims Lafreniere May Need Change of Scenery
While there are no concrete suggestions that Lafreniere will soon be traded, Vince Mercogliano recently labeled the youngster as a potential change of scenery candidate. The Rangers beat writer made the suggestion in a piece for The Athletic on January 12. In the article, Mercogliano claimed that moving Lafreniere would be an “organizational loss” for New York. Nevertheless, a deal may be best for both sides.
Assuming the Rangers would be open to parting ways with Lafreniere, they would likely want a young, NHL-ready player in return. As Mercogliano pointed out, a reference trade could be the recent Dylan Cozens-Josh Norris deal. The Buffalo Sabres and Ottawa Senators swapped the two budding stars in March 2025. Like Lafreniere, both Cozens and Norris needed a change despite previously being top prospects and high draft picks.
Rangers Star Demoted, Called Out Amid Potential Trade Talks