Alexis Lafrenière and the New York Rangers have reached an agreement, on a new contract keeping the former first-overall pick in town a bit longer. He is locked in for two years and has an AAV of $2.3 million per season.
Lafrenière Gets New Contract
This Alexis Lafreniere contract is good for both sides. Selected first overall in the 2020 NHL Entry Draft, Lafrenière jumped straight to the big leagues with the Rangers. The skilled winger has been a bit disappointing in his production, but other parts of his game have come along.
Whether that will appease fans – and management – is another question. He’s entering his fourth professional season, and despite finding some connection with fellow youngsters Filip Chytil and Kaapo Kakko, they want goals.
Those three were far and away the Rangers’ most consistent line, playing over 500 minutes together in 2022-23. They are going to get every chance to take second-line duties this year – and for good reason.
Lafrenière is coming off his best year, both in points – 16 goals and 39 points in 81 games – and defensively. It was the first year his Corsi rating was above 50% at even strength. He’s getting some looks on the power play, but mostly he does his damage at evens.
What This Means
Alexis Lafrenière is ready for the next step, even if it didn’t come as quickly as he wanted. There is a lot of talent among the Rangers forwards, so the only pressure he should feel is coming from him.
He won’t be happy with a mere 15 minutes per game, and it’ll show. Lafrenière, along with his linemates, will be pushing to assume a leadership role to suit his new deal.
If he needs an additional goad, the memory of being held to zero points in seven playoff games should do that. Decent play is acceptable in a player on his first contract, wherever they are drafted. In his fourth year, though, he’ll need to step up when it matters most.
Main Photo: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
