Few teams in the NHL have more pressure on them to perform this upcoming season than the New York Rangers. The Original 6 squad is coming off of an extremely disappointing 24-25 campaign that saw them miss the playoffs after being viewed as a Stanley Cup contender heading into the season having recently won the Presidents Trophy the year prior.
One of those players that will continue to have a microscope on him is forward Alexis Lafreniere. The 21 year signed a 7x$7.45 million contract extension with the Rangers last October after a breakout 23-24 season in which he finally emerged as the top 6 scoring threat he was envisioned to be.
Not unlike most Rangers players last year was a step back for Lafreniere, having amassed only 17 goals and 28 assists for 45 points in 82 games. Lafreniere has had an up and down career in New York, struggling to consistently produce as a player expected to be an elite forward in this league as a former 1st overall pick in 2020.
What is the latest on Lafreniere?
In what would be a shocking development, insider David Pagnotta stated he would not be surprised if Lafreniere was dealt by the Rangers this year depending on how the season plays out. For a team that is expected to deliver with a new staff and heightened expectations, Pagnotta believes almost anything is on the table in New York.
This move would be odd considering Lafreniere signed a long term extension to remain a Ranger less than a year ago. But if he once again fails to meet the standards expected of him playing top line minutes on offense with talents such as Artemi Panarin, JT Miller, Vincent Trocheck and Mika Zibanejad: The Rangers may have no choice but to move on.
