Insider says Rangers may former 1st overall pick next summer if he doesn't take a step this year

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Mike Armenti
August 25, 2023 (11:27)

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It's fair to say that, prior to his selection at the 2020 NHL Entry Draft, most everyone was extremely high on 1st overall pick Alexis Lafreniere. Touted as the most complete player in the 2020 NHL Entry Draft, there was a strong belief that he would be an absolute superstar for the New York Rangers right out of the gate. Unfortunately, it hasn't panned out that way.

According to Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman on the 32 Thoughts Podcast, time may now be running out for Alexis Lafreniere with the Rangers; take a look.

"Everybody is kind of in a position where they're saying, 'look, we're going to try this under a new coach, see where it goes' if it's not good next summer, then I think you can move him at a number that I think teams can handle"

The Rangers signed Lafreniere to a 2-year deal worth $2.325M this week after a summer of lengthy negotiations. A bridge seemed like the best possible outcome here for both sides. It limits the Rangers' long-term commitment to a prospect who has been on the disappointing side and it also allows the player to come in and prove his worth under a new coach.

Lafreniere, 21, is coming off of his best season in the National Hockey League, playing in 81 games for the Rangers, posting a career high 23 assists and 39 points. However, he did see his goal total slip from 19 goals in 2021-22 to just 16 goals in 2022-23.

The Saint-Eustache, PQ native has shown a steady uptick in production year-over-year since being drafted, posting 21, 31 and 39 points in successive seasons, so the hope is that he can not only continue to trend upwards, but take a huge step this year. If he doesn't, it shouldn't be hard for the Rangers to move Lafreniere at his team-friendly $2.325M cap hit.