Breaking: Alexis Lafreniere on the trade block in New York
The New York Rangers are prepared to shake things up in a BIG way according to a report The Fourth Period's David Pagnotta. Per Pagnotta, the Rangers are talking to teams about the possibility of shipping out 2020 1st overall pick Alexis Lafreniere.
Lafreniere may have made the jump to the National Hockey League a year or so too soon, as the former QMJHL standout has not lived up to the hype surrounding him in his draft year, at least offensively. In 59 games for the Rangers this season, Lafreniere has been limited to just 19 points.
Pagnotta cautioned that it would take an insane package to pry Lafreniere out of New York. He mentions an elite talent with term remaining on his deal as a possibility. Of course, New York Post writer Larry Brooks says that there is no truth to Pagnotta's report, but given Lafreniere's alarmingly low production, it's hard to imagine that the Rangers aren't at least considering moving him for the right price.
It's far too early to label Lafreniere as a bust, as he has played just a little over 100 NHL games. The Rangers may have stunted his development a bit by not allowing him to return to his junior club for one more year and granting him permission to play with Team Canada at the 2021 World Juniors.
To be fair to the Rangers, Lafreniere had 112 points in just 52 games for the Rimouski Oceanic in his draft year. Everything pointed to this kid being a bona-fide star once he stepped foot on NHL ice. It just goes to show you that not all development curves are the same.
There is still plenty of time for Lafreneire to break out offensively, but unfortunately for the 20-year-old, it may be with another organization.
| POLL | ||
MARS 19 | 173 ANSWERS Breaking: Alexis Lafreniere on the trade block in New York Will the Rangers end up trading Alexis Lafreniere? | ||
| Yes, he's underperforming | 41 | 23.7 % |
| Only for the right package | 76 | 43.9 % |
| They'll regret it if they do | 56 | 32.4 % |
| List of polls | ||
