Rangers Could Explore Trading Former No. 1 Pick
Few NHL teams face as much pressure entering the upcoming season as the New York Rangers. The storied Original Six franchise is coming off a highly disappointing 2024โ25 campaign, where they missed the playoffs despite being viewed as legitimate Stanley Cup contenders just a year removed from winning the Presidentsโ Trophy.
One player under heavy scrutiny is forward Alexis Lafreniรจre. The 21-year-old signed a seven-year, $7.45 million-per-season extension with New York last October after a breakout 2023โ24 season, when he finally established himself as a reliable top-six scoring option.
However, like much of the roster, Lafreniรจre regressed last season. He finished with 17 goals and 28 assists for 45 points across all 82 gamesโa step back from the production the Rangers expected. Since being drafted first overall in 2020, Lafreniรจreโs career has been marked by inconsistency, falling short of the elite expectations placed on him.
Whatโs Next for Lafreniรจre?
Such a move would be unusual given Lafreniรจreโs long-term commitment signed less than a year ago. But if he fails once again to meet the demands of top-line minutes alongside stars like Artemi Panarin, J.T. Miller, Vincent Trocheck, and Mika Zibanejad, New York may be forced to rethink his future with the team.