Alexis Lafreniere gives update on contract talks with Rangers
By Marvin Azrak
Alexis Lafreniere is spilling the puck on his contract talks with the Rangers! The restricted free agent Left Winger has yet to sign his deal.
It’s like the New York Rangers are playing a “Contract Tetris” game with Alexis Lafreniere – the last puzzle piece! General Manager Chris Drury and the gang are in the final stretch, waiting to lock in that extension.
Alexis Lafreniere gives an update on contract talks with Rangers:
Lafreniere told La Presse’s Simon Olivier Lorange while participating in a Pro-Am charity game in Quebec City last week that the two sides are in talks, expecting to agree shortly.
“My agent and the Rangers are in discussions. I hope it will be settled in the next few weeks,” he said. “I love playing there. I love the city, the fans, and the arena. It would be super cool to continue.”
“You have to be patient. I think it will come,” he said. “I think my game has improved on both ends of the ice. But I would still like more offensive production and generate move attack.” According to the article, Lafreniere has focused his Summer on improving his skating, which limited his production last season.
In 2022-23, Lafreniere had 16 goals and 39 points in 81 games.
The first overall pick of the 2020 NHL draft has 47 goals and 91 points over his first three seasons as a Ranger.
However, summing up Lafrenière’s first three pro years is like trying to unscramble a Rubik’s Cube blindfolded – not an easy feat! Unlike his draft year buddies Tim Stützle, Lucas Raymond, and Dawson Mercer, who seemed to be having an offensive party, Lafrenière had a bit of a different groove.
Especially Stützle, who’s doing the “double points dance” with 177 to Lafrenière’s 91. And to add a cherry on top, Stützle’s got an eight-year contract with the Ottawa Senators worth $8.3 million per season. Lafrenière’s not quite in the same paycheck neighborhood.
The 21-year-old is hoping the upcoming season can be his breakthrough year.
Training camp’s lurking around the corner, and both sides are crossing their fingers for a done deal before then.
According to CapFriendly, the Rangers have just under $2.3 million in cap space for next season, with only Lafreniere left to sign.
The rumor mill’s been spinning like a DJ’s turntable, suggesting a two-year bridge deal, a la K’Andre Miller’s style. Let’s play the waiting game and see what artistic masterpiece these two sides put together.