The New York Rangers got off to a great, early lead against the Philadelphia Flyers, but ultimately lost the game, 3-2 in overtime. It was only the fourth-time all season at Madison Square Garden that this team was able to secure a multi-goal lead, but it wasn't enough as the disappointment continues.
One of the nicer things that happened on Thursday night was that Rangers forward Alexis Lafrenière was able to improve his trade value. There is no denying that he is playing better hockey, if you count his performances before the Olympic break and the goal he scored against Philadelphia. He has three goals and an assist for four points in his last five games, and three goals and four assists for seven points in his last 10.
But his tenure in New York and place in the next era of the Blueshirts are not guaranteed. It might be best for both parties to move in separate directions, and a fresh start could be a savior. There are a few Rangers that fit in the category of moving on for the better of both sides.
Moving on from Laffy
Lafrenière has 13 goals and 20 assists for 33 points in 58 games this season. This season has been consistent with the rest of his career, as he has averaged that mid 40's to low to mid 50's in terms of point production. That is not ideal for a first overall pick, especially when you look at those players selected in the same spot around his draft year of 2020.
We all saw the spectacle that is Macklin Celebrini with the San Jose Sharks this season, and with Team Canada in the Olympics. Jack Hughes was the "golden goal" hero in the gold medal game and is having a heck of a season with the Hudson River Rivals, New Jersey. Connor McDavid is turning into one of the greatest players in NHL History, Connor Bedard is also taking the league by storm, and Matthew Schaefer might be the greatest defenseman in recent memory by the time he is done.
What went wrong with Lafrenière? Is it him, or is it on the Rangers?
Another failed talent
History says it is on the Rangers. We have seen failed prospects left and right, especially from the first rebuild-era. Filip Chytil, Lias Andersson, Vitali Kravtsov, Kaapo Kakko, K'Andre Miller, and the list goes on and on and on. All of them couldn't make it in New York and flourished in another city.
Lafrenière might be the biggest bust of all those names included above. There is no real growth to his game, and at this point, how much longer is President and General Manager Chris Drury going to give him to "develop"? Over 300 games is plenty of time to get himself acclimated and turn into a definitive member of this team.
There should be very little hope that Lafrenière makes it past the trade deadline in a few days, and the Rangers have to get a solid return for him.