Alexis Lafrenière and the Rangers’ Dilemma: Stick or Twist?
Few players in the NHL spark more debate than Alexis Lafrenière. The former No. 1 overall pick has become a lightning rod for discussion in New York, especially now that the Rangers are deep into a roster retool. Every player is under the microscope, and Lafrenière might be under the biggest lens of all.
At 24 years old and in his sixth NHL season, Lafrenière is no longer the fresh-faced rookie with sky-high expectations. He’s a player with 433 games under his belt, 102 goals and 120 assists to his name, and a brand-new seven-year, $52.15 million contract.
That $7.45 million annual cap hit comes with the assumption that he’s a core piece of the Rangers’ future. But what happens when the production doesn’t quite match the paycheck?
That’s the question facing Rangers GM Chris Drury and his front office. Is Lafrenière a long-term building block? Or is it time to consider moving on?
Trade Winds Starting to Swirl
According to reports, the Rangers aren’t actively shopping Lafrenière, but they’re not shutting the door on conversations either. There’s a clear openness to listening, and that’s been the case since at least last summer. His name came up in exploratory talks with other teams, including a brief connection with Vancouver during the league-wide Quinn Hughes discussions - before Hughes ended up in Minnesota.
This isn’t a fire sale. No one’s putting Lafrenière on the trade block and hoping for the best. But there’s an appetite to explore possibilities - and that’s telling.
The Rangers are in a tough spot. Lafrenière’s numbers this season - 10 goals and 29 points through 53 games - don’t scream “top-line winger,” especially when he’s often skating alongside Artemi Panarin, one of the league’s most dynamic forwards.
Expectations were that by now, Lafrenière would be taking off. Instead, there’s been a noticeable plateau - or even a drop - in his offensive output over the past two seasons.
The Case to Keep Him
Still, there’s a reason this conversation isn’t black and white. Lafrenière’s supporters - and there are plenty inside and outside the organization - point to his underlying numbers.
His expected goals-for percentage (xGF%) sits at a career-best 54.44% this season, the highest among Rangers forwards. That suggests he’s helping drive play, even if it’s not always showing up on the scoresheet.
And let’s not forget: he’s still just 24. That’s young, especially by NHL standards. There’s still time for him to hit another gear, and if he does, that $7.45 million cap hit could look like a bargain in a few years, especially with the salary cap projected to rise significantly.
There’s also the argument that the Rangers would rather “fix” Lafrenière than sell low. As one insider put it, they may prefer to work through the growing pains rather than trade him for “50 cents on the dollar.” That mindset speaks to the belief that there’s still untapped potential there - and that letting him go now might be a move they regret.
The Case to Move On
But the flip side is equally compelling. Lafrenière is in his sixth season.
He’s had top-six minutes, power-play time, and the benefit of playing with elite linemates. At some point, the production has to match the opportunity.
And so far, it hasn’t.
That’s why the idea of a change of scenery is gaining traction. Could a different system, a new coach, or a fresh locker room unlock something in Lafrenière that hasn’t quite clicked in New York? It’s a fair question - and one the Rangers have to consider.
But trading a former top pick is never easy. You don’t just move a player like Lafrenière for a mid-round pick and a prospect.
If you’re dealing someone with his pedigree, you need to get value back - ideally, a player of similar caliber or upside. And that’s where things get tricky.
His current value isn’t sky-high, which makes finding a fair return a serious challenge.
As one league insider put it: “There’s a runway here for this player. But at the same time, the value is not at its peak or anywhere near that, so it’s a tough path to navigate right now in terms of a deal that makes you better.”
Damned If You Do, Damned If You Don’t
This is the classic front-office conundrum. Hold onto Lafrenière and risk continued underperformance.
Trade him and watch him blossom elsewhere. The Rangers are stuck between the two - and there’s no easy answer.
What’s clear is that the clock is ticking. The March 6 trade deadline is approaching, and decisions will need to be made. Whether Lafrenière remains a cornerstone in New York or becomes a reclamation project elsewhere, his future is one of the most fascinating storylines to watch in the second half of the NHL season.
For now, the Rangers are walking the tightrope - and hoping they don’t fall on the wrong side of history.