Can Lafrenière be the best French-Canadian Ranger ever?

Recent names

There were some other French-Canadians who have found fame in New York City for the Rangers.  Stephane Matteau scored one of the most famous goals in team history, winning Game Seven of the 1994 Conference Final in double overtime against the Devils.

Hull, Quebec native Derick Brassard was a clutch playoff performer for four seasons with the Rangers and was on the team that went to the 2014 Finals.

Though he was from Alfred, Ontario, fellow French-Canadian Benoit Pouliot was on that team as well and formed a formidable line with Brassard and Mats Zuccarello.

Today’s Rangers

Alexis Lafrenière will not be alone when he reports to the Rangers training camp.  Brendan Lemieux may have been born in Denver, but his father is Claude Lemieux, a Quebecois from the town of Buckingham.

Julien Gauthier is from Pointe-aux-Trembles, Quebec and of all the Rangers, Lafrenière said that he has practiced with Gauthier in the past.

In the system is Gabriel Fontaine, a 2016 draft pick who hails from Montreal.

Expectations are incredibly high for Lafrenière, the first French-Canadian player taken first overall since Marc-Andre Fleury in 2003.   The last Ranger pick to come out of the QMJHL and find success in the NHL is Anthony Duclair who is from Pointe-Claire, Quebec and starred with the Quebec Ramparts.

The Rangers my not have the same legacy of French-Canadian players possessed by the Montreal Canadiens, but there have been some legendary players who wore the Rangers jersey.  Lafrenière has the chance to be the best of them all.