Alexis Lafreniere Rangers Future: Building Block Analysis

The New York Rangers are gearing up for what could be a massive roster shakeup, with star forward Artemi Panarin heading for the exit. But the biggest question mark might be former first overall pick Alexis Lafreniere.

At just 22 years old, Lafreniere’s journey has been anything but straightforward.

The talented winger was a no-brainer first pick in 2020, putting up mind-blowing numbers in junior hockey – 327 points in 193 games. People were comparing him to superstars like Alex Ovechkin and David Pastrnak.

Last season showed what he can do when everything clicks. He racked up 57 points in 82 games and was absolutely on fire in the playoffs, especially against the eventual champion Florida Panthers where he scored 14 points in 16 games.

But consistency has been his biggest enemy.

Just look at this year’s Winter Classic against Florida – Lafreniere showed flashes of brilliance with his first three-assist game as a pro. It’s these moments that remind everyone why he went first overall.

The thing is, this is the first time in his hockey life where he isn’t the best player on his team. That’s been a tough adjustment.

With Panarin likely leaving and other veterans possibly following suit, Lafreniere might finally get his chance to be “the guy” in New York. But that raises some interesting questions:

Will he step up when the spotlight’s on him? Can he rediscover that killer instinct that made him such a hot prospect?

Even if he settles in as a 60-point player, his $7.45 million salary isn’t terrible in today’s NHL. But there’s a catch.

Some around the league worry about his commitment level off the ice. And there’s another red flag – his best hockey came while playing alongside stars like Panarin (120 points) and Vincent Trocheck (77 points).

When the team struggles, so does Lafreniere. He seems to ride the wave rather than create it.

Right now, his trade value is at an all-time low. The Rangers might just hold onto him and see what happens when he gets more responsibility.

But here’s the thing – New York’s locker room culture is clearly broken, and Lafreniere doesn’t seem like the guy to fix it.

GM Chris Drury’s probably not going to give him away for cheap. Then again, it only takes one team to believe in Lafreniere’s potential to make a deal happen.