The New York Rangers are going to be an interesting team to follow in 2026-27, with uncertainty painted on every square inch of this team. One of those uncertainties is a player who nearly has his back against the wall, and his future is dwindling. In many ways, especially given the talent on the roster, this year becomes important in determining the immediate future of the organization.
Alexis Lafrenière is going to go in two directions in 2026-27. Either the generational talent finally gets unleashed, and we are all buzzing about him by December, or the trade deadline in March is going to be his final curtain call on Broadway.
With some new pieces around him, and the added pressure, the earlier should be an expectation for next season.
Laffy is trending upwards, with pressure on his heels
It was evident last season that things were starting to change for No. 13. Lafrenière had a bit better of a season overall, with a career-high in assists, 33, and a matching effort in points at 57. This is a positive sign, but we have all been here before.
The only difference now, as opposed to when he reached that point marker in 2023-24, is that the Blueshirts are going younger and letting the internal pieces blossom. Lafrenière, who is not a "kid" anymore as he is entering his seventh season in the NHL, now has some pressure to get out of the way for the youth.
Furthermore, his price tag of $7.45 million AAV is not too steep, but once the younger players exit their entry-level contracts, it could be burning a hole in President and General Manager Chris Drury's wallet.
Lafrenière's pedigree is what the Rangers are counting on
That said, the Rangers are going to rely on Lafrenière being what he was drafted for with the first overall selection of the 2020 NHL Draft. A generational talent that completely changes the game with the puck on his stick. One of only two two-time CHL Player of the Year award winners, alongside Sidney Crosby, should be the standard.
Not a 57-point career-high. They have to be encouraged with how he ended the season, and the hope is that can be something that carries over into this year's campaign.
With his back against the wall, expect Lafrenière to give head coach Mike Sullivan every reason to throw him on the opposite side of Pavel Dorofeyev, moving up-and-comer Gabe Perreault down a peg. If not, a familiar second-line spot opposite newcomer Oliver Bjorkstrand might be a solid fit for No. 13.
Time is important here, as the Rangers need to take every month as a season in itself in 2026-27. A strong start builds momentum and instills confidence in the younger players coming up, but disaster can strike at any second. Lafrenière is going to be a big storyline to follow this upcoming season, and if he is not gaining any traction toward that label by December, it could be over and done with for his Blueshirts career.
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