The top pick in the 2020 NHL Entry Draft spoke about his selection by the New York Rangers
Shortly after his selection as the top pick in the draft, Alexis Lafrenière spoke to the media about the night, the selection and the New York Rangers. The newest Ranger has never been to New York City and is very humble and honored by his selection, a sentiment he repeated several times.
When asked about being the top pick, Lafrenière said “It was an unreal feeling…obviously the New York Rangers are a great orgainzation and I am honored to join them. When I heard my name,we’ve been waiting for a long time. It was really special for me and my family so we are all really excited.”
“Its a big honor and a really nice day for me. Growing up, you;re dreaming of being drafted and today for me it’s amazing to go first. I’m really honored to be with the New York Rangers. The team is so special,. It’s a big day for me” – Alexis Lafrenière
Lafrenière has been under a microscope for years and has been projected to be the top pick for the last two years. He said that he first thought he could be the top pick when joined Rimouski. He said “.I had a couple good seasons and told myself I had to work hard and keep getting better and that’s what I did. We’re here today and I’m getting drafted by the New York Rangers it was kind of a dream growing up to just being drafted. To be drafted by such a great team is just amazing to me.”
He’s been compared to Sidney Crosby, the only other player to be selected as the CHL Player of the Year for two straight seasons. When asked about that comparison, he discounted them, saying “I don’t think I’m Sidney Crosby. I’m getting better as a player, Sidney Crosby is on a different level. I’m just trying to improve as a player.”
Is he NHL ready? He said that he believes that he is, “I think physically I got a lot stronger, my game , I can create scoring chances a lot…it’s something I’ll try to bring to the next level and for sure it’s going to be a bit of an adjustment. I’ll keep getting ready and when training camp starts. I’ll try to be as good as I can and I’ll try to make a difference.”
Lafrenière has never been to New York City and his conversations with the Blueshirts have been limited. There has been no talk about what role he will expected to fill or what expectations the team has. He hopes to make a trip to the City soon and will talk to Coach David Quinn and the staff at that point. He also said that he knows no one with the organization except Julien Gauther who he worked out with a couple of times, but doesn’t know personally.
He also said he has no idea what uniform number he will wear, since he has worn number 11 for years and that was retired by the Blueshirts.
He concluded his remarks with a message to Ranger fans.
“I’m really excited to join the New York Rangers and i cannot wait to see the fans. I’ve heard a lot of good things about the fans and about the building so I’m really excited to arrive in New York in the next couple months. I hope we’re going to have a good season and I’m really honored.”
Lafrenière appears to be a humble young man and his introduction to the media capital of the world should be interesting. Ironically, growing up just a few miles from Montreal, he may draw less attention with the Rangers than he would have if he played for the Canadiens.
It will be fascinating to see how he adjusts to the Big Apple, but based on his interview tonight, it will be a smooth transition.