The New York Rangers and Alexis Lafreniere have struck a deal that could be great for both sides. The agreement is reportedly a seven-year contract worth $52.1 million, translating to a $7.45 million cap hit each season, as shared by Elliotte Friedman from Sportsnet.
Lafreniere, the top pick in the 2020 NHL Draft, was chosen as a cornerstone for the Rangers’ rebuild. His early years were rocky with inconsistent performance under Gerard Gallant’s coaching. However, during the 2023-24 season, he began to shine and fulfill his potential. Scoring 28 goals and 57 points last season marked his breakout moment. He also excelled in the Stanley Cup Playoffs and has started this season strong with four goals and three assists in just seven games.
Contract Benefits :
This contract is favorable for the Rangers because Lafreniere’s salary isn’t even among the top 85 in the NHL right now. As more players sign long-term deals, his cap hit will likely drop further down that list over time. If he keeps improving like this—and there’s no reason to think he won’t—he might soon outperform his current salary cap number. Fans might think this deal is smart because it covers his prime playing years when he’s expected to score big numbers like 35-40 goals or even reach over 90 points.
For Lafreniere, it’s also a win because by the time this contract ends, he’ll only be 30 years old! This means he’ll still have some prime years left to play at a high level and could secure another lucrative deal as an unrestricted free agent.
Future Goals:
With Lafreniere’s future sorted out, next up on the Rangers’ agenda is locking down Igor Shesterkin with a long-term contract before he becomes an unrestricted free agent after this season. He’s their star goalie and could set new salary records for goalies if they agree on terms that satisfy both parties.
What do you think about these moves? Do you believe they’re making wise decisions?
