The New York Rangers are once again facing a familiar, frustrating dilemma: what to do with a former top draft pick who hasn’t quite lived up to the billing. This time, the spotlight is on Alexis Lafrenière, the No. 1 overall pick from 2020, who-despite flashes of brilliance-has yet to consistently deliver on the promise that made him the top prospect in his class.
Lafrenière’s 2023-24 campaign was a breakthrough by most standards. He posted 58 points and turned heads in the postseason, giving Rangers fans and management reason to believe he was finally turning the corner. That performance earned him a long-term extension and the expectation that he’d become a cornerstone of the franchise moving forward.
But instead of building on that momentum, Lafrenière has regressed. Inconsistency has crept back into his game, and the frustration is starting to mount-not just in the stands, but likely in the front office as well. With the Rangers potentially entering a retooling phase, the question becomes unavoidable: is it time to move on?
Trading a former No. 1 pick is never easy, and rarely does it feel like a win in the moment. But the Rangers have been down this road before.
Just last year, they dealt former second-overall pick Kaapo Kakko and managed to get a solid return in defenseman Will Borgen. While Kakko never evolved beyond a third-line role, Lafrenière has at least shown flashes of top-six ability.
The hope-if not in New York, then somewhere else-is that a change of scenery could unlock the player many expected him to be.
Let’s take a closer look at a few potential trade scenarios that could make sense for both the Rangers and their potential partners.
Andrei Svechnikov (Carolina Hurricanes)
This one feels like a long shot, especially now that Svechnikov has found his rhythm after a sluggish start.
But Carolina has never shied away from betting on former top prospects, and Lafrenière fits that mold. The Hurricanes have had a complicated relationship with Svechnikov at times, and if they believe Lafrenière could benefit from their development system, there’s at least a framework for a conversation.
That said, the Rangers would almost certainly need to add sweeteners to make this happen-something that might not align with a team looking to retool rather than go all-in. With Svechnikov trending up, this deal feels more like a "maybe someday" than an immediate option.
Elias Pettersson (Vancouver Canucks)
Let’s be clear: Elias Pettersson isn’t coming to New York in a one-for-one swap.
He’s one of the league’s premier forwards, and any trade involving him would require a significant package. But if the Canucks decide to move him-and that’s still a big “if”-the Rangers could at least be in the conversation.
The biggest wrinkle? J.T.
Miller. His presence in New York complicates things, given the reportedly strained relationship between him and Pettersson during their time in Vancouver.
Unless Miller waives his no-move clause or is dealt elsewhere, this is probably a non-starter. Still, in a world where the Rangers are looking to add a true top-six center to build around, Pettersson would be a dream acquisition.
Shane Wright (Seattle Kraken)
Now we’re getting into more realistic territory.
Shane Wright, the former top-five pick, has had a rocky start to his NHL career and might benefit from a fresh start-just like Lafrenière. The Rangers and Kraken already have recent trade history, with the Kakko-for-Borgen deal serving as a blueprint for this kind of swap.
Seattle, in need of offensive spark and perhaps intrigued by the idea of reuniting Lafrenière and Kakko, could be a willing partner. For the Rangers, Wright represents a high-upside gamble.
He hasn’t met expectations yet, but the tools are there. If New York’s front office believes in his long-term potential, this could be a calculated risk worth taking.
Mason McTavish (Anaheim Ducks)
This one falls more in the "fun to imagine" category than the "realistic possibility" column. McTavish recently signed a long-term deal with Anaheim, and while reports suggested the negotiations were tense, there’s no clear indication the Ducks are looking to move on.
Still, the fit is intriguing. McTavish and Lafrenière were both highly touted prospects who haven’t quite hit their ceilings yet. Their contracts align well, and if Anaheim sees something in Lafrenière-or if Rangers veterans like Chris Kreider or Jacob Trouba vouch for him-this could be a creative solution for both sides.
The Rangers are at a crossroads with Lafrenière. He’s got the pedigree, the flashes of brilliance, and the upside that still makes teams take notice.
But in New York, the clock might be ticking. Whether it’s a blockbuster involving a name like Pettersson or a more nuanced deal for someone like Wright, the Rangers have options.
The challenge is finding the right one-because when you’re trading a former No. 1 pick, you only get one shot to get it right.