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Rangers: Bridge deal vs. long-term contract… looking at the ELC players.

By Michael DeRosa

UNIONDALE, NEW YORK - APRIL 09: Alexis Lafreniere #13 (L) celebrates his second period goal against the New York Islanders and is joined by Adam Fox #23 (R) at Nassau Coliseum on April 09, 2021 in Uniondale, New York. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
UNIONDALE, NEW YORK - APRIL 09: Alexis Lafreniere #13 (L) celebrates his second period goal against the New York Islanders and is joined by Adam Fox #23 (R) at Nassau Coliseum on April 09, 2021 in Uniondale, New York. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /
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NEW YORK, NEW YORK – APRIL 27: Alexis Lafreniere #13 of the New York Rangers takes a slapshot against the Buffalo Sabres at Madison Square Garden on April 27, 2021 in New York City. The Rangers defeated the Sabres 3-1. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – APRIL 27: Alexis Lafreniere #13 of the New York Rangers takes a slapshot against the Buffalo Sabres at Madison Square Garden on April 27, 2021 in New York City. The Rangers defeated the Sabres 3-1. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /

Alexis Lafrenière LW

Alexis Lafrenière just completed his rookie season, so he still has two more years left on his ELC. The 19-year-old winger may not have dominated in first year, but did well for a teenager getting used to the league. In 56 games, he scored 12 goals and had 21 points. He is a player to watch this upcoming season, as one has to assume that he will be a bigger contributor.

The Rangers drafted him first overall for a reason. He was the most dominant player available in the 2020 NHL Entry Draft and is expected to blossom into a star. In his final season in the QMJHL, he had 35 goals, 77 assists and 112 points in just 52 games. That kind of offense, even at the junior level, is immensely impressive. It just needs to be translated more to the NHL.

Ultimately, when it comes to Lafrenière, his performances these next two seasons are what will determine which route the Rangers should go. If he does not show significant improvement offensively, a bridge deal would make more sense. However, if he takes off like most hockey fans expect, the Rangers locking him up long-term would be a no-brainer.

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