There has been one surprising name that has been the subject of trade rumors for the New York Rangers and that is none other than Alexis Lafrenière.
During the 2023-24 campaign, Lafrenière had a career year, recording 28 goals, 29 assists, and 57 points in 82 games.
This breakout season resulted in the Rangers giving Lafrenière a 7-year, $52.15 million contract extension.
All seemed right for Lafrenière as signs pointed toward him finally becoming the star player that he was expected to be when he was drafted with the first overall pick in 2020.
However, the 23-year-old’s play regressed during the 2024-25 season, and now everything appears to be on the table regarding Lafrenière’s future in New York.
According to Larry Brooks of The New York Post, Rangers president and general manager Chris Drury has discussed Lafrenière in trade talks with multiple teams at the NHL Draft Combine in Buffalo.
A conflicting report came out from Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman indicating how desirable Lafrenière’s contract is and that’s not exactly clear if he’s on the trade market as of right now.
“That contract, if he even comes close to the level where he’s capable of performing at, that’s going to be a really good contract…”If Lafreniere is available it’s not widely known… “Lafreniere, I’ll tell you, I get pushback on it,” Friedman said.
The Rangers have already traded Chris Kreider while other players including K’Andre Miller and even Mika Zibanejad to a certain extent have been mentioned in trade rumors.
The Rangers Reportedly Don’t Want To Give K’Andre Miller A Long-Term Contract ExtensionThere is one major aspect that is holding up negotiations between the New York Rangers and K’Andre Miller.
According to Arthur Staple of The Athletic, Igor Shesterkin, Artemi Panarin, and Adam Fox are the only untouchables for the Rangers in trade talks.
It isn’t likely that Lafrenière is dealt away this summer, but all of these rumors are at least something to look out for.
Read the full article here