New York Rangers: Jeff Gorton’s top priorities #1-5
By Steve Paulus
#2 What to do with the first overall pick in the draft
Jeff Gorton’s phone must already be ringing with rival GM’s trying to see if he is willing to part with Alexis Lafreniere and if so, for what price. Gorton would be foolish to discount any offers, but of all the priorities facing the Rangers, this one may be the simplest to resolve.
The NHL Entry Draft has been moved up to October 6-7 so we are less than four weeks away. Since the Rangers won the lottery there has been nothing to dissuade anyone from the notion that Lafreniere is the top player available.
Even so, the Rangers need to listen to any trade offers. There are some teams, most notably the Montreal Canadiens, who are desperate for Lafreniere and they may be willing to sweeten the pot so much that it could be an offer that Gorton cannot refuse.
The fact that Lafreniere is a left winger, a position of strength for the Rangers, makes it even more intriguing. It adds another layer to what would already be a hot topic of discussion. Other teams that could make substantial offers include the Ottawa Senators and the Los Angeles Kings.
Again, the odds that the Rangers will trade what is in essence the first overall draft pick in franchise history are slim, but it cannot be ruled out. We won’t know for sure until Jeff Gorton makes the announcement at the virtual draft on October 6. And even if the Rangers make the pick, there is nothing to stop them from making a trade after the draft.