When the New York Rangers signed Alexis Lafreniere long-term earlier in the season, it was seen as a steal. Most viewed it as a great deal for a long time, especially with the jumping cap for someone who can score at the rate Alexis Lafreniere can. However, the deafening silence from Lafreniere's production since the extension was signed has alerted fans, and a question has been raised around the fanbase: Is this contract going to age poorly for the New York Rangers?
Alexis Lafreniere has been one of the best Rangers during the last eighteen months, but his production has faded in the last few weeks, coinciding with the Blueshirts' decline. His struggles have sparked a debate in the fanbase: How can the Blueshirts get the most out of the Quebecois winger? It's a question that Peter Laviolette and the Rangers front office need to figure out now that Laf has a long-term extension.
Lafreniere has just five points (one goal and four assists) since the beginning of December. That's 16 games in which the Rangers winger has scored just five points, and three of those came in the first two games of December. Lafreniere has run ice cold, and the Rangers must find a solution to get the Quebecois winger going again if the Rangers want to salvage the 2024-25 campaign, that must happen quickly.
With Arthur Kaliyev claimed on waivers today, New York may try to experiment with new line combinations. Lafreniere's traditional linemates may need a new voice on that line to get the best out of them. A new role for Lafreniere against different competition might get the best out of him. Still, the struggles of the forward need to end if the Blueshirts want to continue to rebound from their struggles and if Lafreniere will be worth that contract.
Lafreniere will make $7.45 per year for the next 7 years with a modified no-trade clause, so that's a massive contract the Rangers will need to get the most out if they pay that much for his services. Lafreniere is a fantastic player when he's at his best, and the 2020 first-overall pick has flashed the brilliance that made him so highly touted as a youngster, but the Rangers have to find a way to get him back to that.