If Alexis Lafrenière is a top 6 forward where does he play?

When Artemi Panarin joined the COVID protocol list, it was an opportunity for Alexis Lafreniere who was immediately moved up to the second line to replace him.  He’s risen to the occasion, playing a solid game on Sunday against Tampa and having one of his best pro games against Edmonton with a goal and an assist.

He definitely is benefiting from playing with Ryan Strome and Barclay Goodrow and from a very short sample size, it would seem to be to the Rangers’ best interests to keep him in the top six, but where.

When I look at the top six, I see three possibilities for Lafrenière. One of the problems that has been keeping the kid on the bottom six is the Rangers have two quality left wingers in Chris Kreider and Artemi Panarin.  When Lafrenière played right wing earlier this season , he did not look the same. But, it can still be argued that he produces more offense than  Dryden Hunt or Barclay Goodrow, and New York did not pick him to be a bottom six forward. Here’s where the kid can fit:

1. Right Wing with Ryan Strome and Artemi Panarin

The Rangers need a quality right wing here. Dryden Hunt has been fine, but it might be worth giving Lafrenière a chance here. I understand that it is his weak side, but when you play with Strome and Panarin you are automatically better. Lafrenière has shown that he can shoot the puck and hit the net and playing with two of the best passers on the team mean he can produce in this spot if given an extended look.

2. Right Wing with Mika Zibanejad and Chris Kreider

Lafrenière started the season on this line, but at left wing. Giving him a shot at right wing would leave Chris Kreider on his preferred side and considering Kreider’s production, it may be best to leave him there. Lafrenière can be the playmaker needed for Zibanejad and Kreider, but he can also benefit from their set ups.  I know some people will say Kaapo Kakko is doing fine with Zibanejad and Kreider, but Kakko has shown that he can do well playing with Panarin and Strome.

3. Left Wing with Mika Zibanejad and Chris Kreider

Why not give Lafrenière another look here? Gerard Gallant only gave him a handful of games at the start of the season, and interchanging Lafrenière and Kreider from side to side can give the Rangers’ opposition difficulty. If it works, it works.

Is it time for Lafrenière to step up? Sure, but if he doesn’t give him time. He’s only 20. But he has shown he can be the top six forward that New York needs.